Unthinkable may become reality

The unthinkable may yet become a reality for Brazil and Germany, the two dominant powers on the world's two pre-eminent soccer continents.

Brazil have won the World Cup four times, Germany three and neither side have yet failed to qualify. But both now face tough qualifiers on Wednesday with no guarantees of a place in next year's tournament in Japan and South Korea.

Brazil can conclude a torturous journey which has involved losing six matches and three coaches by beating Venezuela in a group match in Sao Luis. Germany, who drew 1-1 in the first leg of their playoff, meet Ukraine in Dortmund.

Victory in Sao Luis would once have been a formality for the Brazilians but nothing can now be taken for granted in the reshaped world of Latin American football.

Bolivia defeated the Brazilians 3-1 at high altitude in La Paz last Wednesday and, although they cannot qualify for the finals, they have struck 10 goals and conceded one in winning their last four matches.

By contrast Brazil have been dismal, culminating in their display in La Paz which was judged by common consent to be their worst in living memory.

"Another ridiculous exhibition, coherent with the whole pathetic campaign," wrote Fernando Calazans in O Globo.

"The team takes to the field in fear, with three central defenders and three defensive midfielders. Including the two fullbacks, that makes eight defensive players in the four times champions of the world."

APPREHENSIVE

Venezuelan coach Richard Paez believes he can force Brazil into a play-off with Australia.

"We are going to try and give Brazil the fright of their lives," he said. "It seemed impossible a few months ago, but after the improvements we have shown in the last few games, it no longer seems out of reach."

The Germans are as apprehensive as Brazil.

"The first leg was only a skirmish compared to what's ahead of us," said goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn. "It's all or nothing now. We have every reason to be nervous."

Both coaches have much at stake.

Brazil's Luiz Felipe Scolari has been accused of imposing an alien physical and largely unsuccessful style on the former samba kings.

Under his regime, Brazil have now lost five matches since June and his future with the national team is being questioned.

Voeller has already hinted he may resign if Germany fail to qualify.

"The 1-1 draw in the first leg is a reasonably good result, nothing less but nothing more," he said. "The real fight is now."

In Wednesday's other European playoffs, Turkey are poised for their first finals since 1954 after winning 1-0 in Austria.

Slovenia take a 2-1 lead over Romania to Bucharest while Belgium face a daunting task in Prague. The Czech Republic lost Tomas Repka just before halftime when he was sent off for elbowing Belgian striker Bart Goor in the face but still conceded only one goal.

On Thursday, Ireland take a 2-0 lead into their second leg against Iran as they bid to reach the finals of a major tournament from a playoff at the fourth time of trying.

However, manager Mick McCarthy has had to leave behind injured captain Roy Keane, whose place in midfield in Tehran's Azadi stadium will go to Mark Kinsella.