"Players learn a lot in these situations, and so do coaches," he said. "We can take a lot of positives to Germany."

Argentina climbed above Brazil in the group by beating 10-man Peru 2-0 with late goals from Juan Roman Riquelme from an 81st minute penalty and a Luis Guadalupe own goal in added time.

Pekerman said Barcelona's Carlos Tevez, who came on after 58 minutes, made the difference.

"He added a new dimension to the attack," he said.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira not unhappy with a 1-1 draw in the high altitude of Lap Paz where Bolivia's Jose Castillo cancelled out Juninho's opener for the world champions.

"It's difficult to judge the pace of the ball at altitude so we can't be too hard on ourselves," he said.

South America will be represented in Germany by the same quartet who played in 2002 after Paraguay and Ecuador ensured their qualification alongside Brazil and Argentina.

Uruguay, Colombia and Chile battle it out for fifth place and a spot in the play-offs against Australia on Wednesday.

Paraguay were made to work hard in Venezuela before Nelson Haedo Valdez grabbed a 65th minute winner.

Ecuador were held to a goalless draw in a bruising game with Uruguay who held onto fifth spot. They will again face Australia, whom they beat to qualify for 2002, if they can beat Argentina in their final game on Wednesday.

Uruguay coach Jorge Fossati said: "Uruguay showed a lot of character. We're confident we can make the play-offs."

Colombia lost ground in a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Chile.

They now now need to win in their final game and Argentina to beat Uruguay to claim the play-off berth for themselves.

Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda admitted their chances hung by a thread.

"We have to go and do in Paraguay what we failed to do here. Just as everyone predicted, it has all come down to the final game," he said.

Uruguay play Argentina, while Colombia and Chile, who drew 1-1 on Saturday to leave them one point adrift, are up against Paraguay and Ecuador respectively.