SEVILLA, (Spain), Sept 7: Five-time world champions Brazil narrowly avoided defeat against Sevilla when an own goal by defender Pablo Alfaro allowed them to scramble a 1-1 draw at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on Tuesday. The Spaniards looked as though they would give their fans a night to remember in a match to mark the club’s centenary when new signing Frederic Kanoute put them ahead early in the second half.

But Sevilla skipper Alfaro cut short the celebrations when he turned the ball into his own net six minutes from time. Brazil, who sealed qualification for the 2006 World Cup when they crushed Chile 5-0 at the weekend, looked a little jaded at the start and Sevilla enjoyed the best of the early play.

However, the visitors got into their stride as the half wore on and Sevilla keeper Antonio Notario had to react quickly to stop snap shots from Kaka and Robinho. Brazil striker Adriano beat Notario with a neat chipped finish in the 20th minute but his shot shaved the outside of the far post.—Reuters