Brazil serve up lethal cocktail in Uruguay

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil served up another lethal cocktail of uncompromising defence and clinical counter-attacks in their unprecedented 4-0 win in Uruguay on Saturday.

Brazil soaked up the first-half pressure in Montevideo and found themselves 2-0 up at halftime on the way to their first win in Uruguay since 1976.

The win took them top of the 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group with 24 points, virtually assuring them of a place in South Africa with five matches to spare.

Under coach Dunga, Brazil have become happiest playing away from home where they can sit back, let the hosts come at them and catch them on the break led by Kaka and Robinho.

Brazil, who have conceded only five goals in 13 qualifiers, have won 4-0 in Uruguay and Venezuela and 3-0 in Chile during their campaign.

They have conceded only five goals in 13 outings.

On the other hand, Dunga's team has struggled when faced by packed defences at home, where they have been held to goalless draws by Bolivia and Colombia.

"Brazil, which has always been the country of attacking football and pressure, is now the country of defence and a powerful counter-attack," wrote former Brazil striker Tostao in the Folha de Sao Paulo.

"The Brazilian football which is admired all around the world for its touch, for exchanging passes and dominating the game, no longer exists," added the 1970 World Cup winner.