Brazil have another chance to rescue their World Cup campaign tonight. On the switchback of the South American qualifying contest, the big names on the way down are about to collide with the unknowns on the way up.

It's Brazil against Venezuela at Sao Luis. Three months ago, anything other than a Brazilian win would have been inconceivable. But Venezuela, who had previously won only three World Cup qualifiers in 36 years, have since won four-in-a-row and Brazil have struggled to such an extent that their 3-1 defeat to Bolivia in La Paz last Wednesday has been called their worst performance in living memory.

"Beating Brazil is a dream we have had since we were children," said the Venezuela coach Richard Paez.

In this campaign Brazil, who had been beaten only once in nearly 70 years of qualifiers, have already lost six times. They are on their fourth coach - Luiz Felipe Scolari, known as Felipao.

He will have the Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos available after injury and the Milan central defender Roque Junior back after suspension. But he has left out Brazil's top scorer Romario and he has lost Cafu through suspension.

Argentina, Paraguay and Ecuador have already qualified. Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia still have hopes.

If Brazil fail to beat Venezuela and Uruguay beat Argentina in Montevideo tonight, Brazil will be condemned to a two-leg play-off with Australia. And with morale dangerously low and the CBF in chaos, commentators fear the worst in Melbourne.