Brazil left it late before moving into the quarter-finals of the Copa America last night with a 3-1 win over Paraguay to finish atop Group B.
It had looked as if the group would live up to its 'Group of Death' tag forBrazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who struggled to build a Brazil side even remotely worthy of their rich tradition.
They began by losing to Mexico and reapedmore criticism for a colourless dismissal of Peru in their second outing.
Only after they had gone behind to a 10th-minute penalty from Guido Alvarenga did Brazil recognise the seriousness of their plight and even though Alex equalised on the hour, a Brazilian win was in real doubt right until the game's last minutes.
Juliano Haus Belletti finally popped up with the goal which calmed the tension in the 89th minute and Denilson still had time to notch a third just before the final whistle to give the Brazilians six points, two clear of rivals Mexico and Peru, who also qualify.