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Brazil toughs it out to beat Colombia in qualifying opener

Brazil were made to sweat by Colombia before winning 2-1 on Sunday as the five-time winners began their quest to qualify for the 2006 finals in Germany.

Ronaldo gave Brazil the lead in the 22nd minute, but Juan Pablo Angel equalised before half-time.

The match played in stifling heat was decided by AC Milan's 21-year-old striker Kaka who fired in a shot from outside the penalty area after 61 minutes shortly after coming on to the field as a substitute.

Colombia coach Francisco Maturana said the close scoreline disguised the gulf in class between the two sides.

"We were playing a far superior team. Once we lost the ball we had a lot of problems winning it back," he said.
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