KAKA scored a stunning 30-meter goal as Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw by Peru in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Lima.

Kaka, who scored twice in last month’s 5-0 thrashing of Ecuador, was on target in the 40th minute to give Brazil the lead in the South American group match.

Underdog Peru hit back in the 71st minute when Juan Vargas scored with a deflected shot from outside the area, the first his team has scored in the group and the first conceded by Brazil.

Brazil almost snatched a winner when Vargas headed against the crossbar from a free kick in the last move of the game.

Brazil has five points from three games, four points behind leader Argentina, and Peru two after three games of the marathon, two-year qualifying campaign.

“Our performances was very good in the first half but we dropped off in the second, when we lost a lot of balls in the midfield and they were able to hit us on the break,” said Brazil coach Dunga. “Football depends on goals. There’s no point in creating chances if you don’t put them away.”

Peru, which last qualified for the World Cup in 1982, subjected Brazil to some intense early pressure when Vargas went close with a low left-foot shot from outside the area while Jefferson Farfan fired over on the edge of the penalty area.

Brazil weathered the storm and had a series of chances. Maicon headed wide from a free kick before Robinho had his shot charged down by Diego Penny. Vagner Love, who had won possession on the edge of the penalty area, then shot just wide of the post.

(SD-Agencies)