Brazil drew struggling Colombia 0-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, failing to win at home for the third straight match.
Fans booed the players off Maracana and loudly jeered coach Dunga, who was in danger of losing his job after another disappointing home result. The five-time world champions also endured scoreless draws against then-last-place Bolivia last month and Argentina in June.
"When a team plays on defence like Colombia did, it's hard to win," Dunga said. "But we will have to find ways to break though these defensive schemes."
Brazil remained second in the 10-team South American race despite the result, but it trails leader Paraguay by six points. The Paraguayans, who beat Peru 1-0, have 23 points. Colombia, in six matches, has 11 points in seventh place. The top four will automatically qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
"It's hard to find an explanation for this draw," Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva said. "We tried hard, but just couldn't get the goals. It's not time for desperation, though, we are still in a good position in the standings."
Fans at the less-than-packed Maracana grew upset as time went by and Brazil struggled to impose its game against the Colombians. Some chanted "Goodbye, Dunga," and not even Robinho was spared when he was substituted in the second half because of an injury.
In one of Brazil's few scoring chances, defender Juan missed with a header in the 30th minute. Striker Jo also had a couple of chances in the second half, but none too dangerous.
Colombia, relying on counterattacks, came close with Darwin Quintero's shot in the 50th minute and Wason Renteria's strike in the 70th minute.
Colombia hasn't won since a 2-1 home win against Argentina last November. The Colombians also haven't scored a goal in five matches since a 1-1 draw at Peru in June.
"The draw was like a victory to them," Brazil defender Maicon said. "We need to have patience now and work to do better in the next match."
Brazil hasn't scored a goal while playing at home since a 2-1 victory against Uruguay in late 2007. It is Brazil's longest period ever without a home goal in World Cup qualifiers.
"It's not about attack or about defence," Brazil midfielder Kaka said. "It's about the entire team. Things need to improve."
The Brazilians were coming off a 4-0 routing of Venezuela in San Cristobal on Sunday, while Colombia fell 1-0 to Paraguay at home on Saturday.
Brazil desperately needed a victory to ease the frustration of the 0-0 draw against Bolivia, which also was played in Rio de Janeiro and prompted fans to criticize the players and Dunga. It was the seventh draw between the teams in 23 matches. Brazil has 14 victories and Colombia two.
Brazil played without suspended regular Adriano, who received his second yellow card against Venezuela. He was replaced by Jo, who played up front along with Manchester City teammate Robinho.
Colombia interim coach Eduardo Lara made two changes from the squad that lost to Paraguay on Saturday. He used speedy Quintero up front instead of Giovanni Hernandez, and replaced midfielder Freddy Montero by Juan Carlos Toja.
Brazil and Colombia drew 0-0 in Bogota in the teams' opener in the qualifying tournament. In the next round in March 2009, Brazil plays at Ecuador and Colombia hosts Bolivia.
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