Argentina have already guaranteed their passage so Brazil have to fight for theirs. A barrage of boos followed Brazil's 1-1 draw with Peru in Sao Paulo last Wednesday. Their latest poor result led to speculation that Leao could be replaced by Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led the South Americans to the 1994 World Cup. Leao now has to find quick solutions for the remaining qualifying matches. But he also has to deliver a good showing at the Confederations Cup in the summer as well as the Copa America in Colombia this July.
Brazil still have three tough tests to overcome in their World Cup campaign.
Their next match is away to Uruguay in Montevideo in July, while they have yet to travel to runaway leaders Argentina. They also face a lung-busting examination at high altitude in Bolivia. At home, they take on Paraguay, Chile and Venezuela. 2002 stories are at the foot of the page.