LIMA, 18 November 2003 — Nolberto Solano headed a second half equalizer as Peru held world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Solano, who has been left on the bench at his English club Newcastle United in recent weeks, nipped in front of the Brazil defense to score at the near post in the 59th minute.

AC Milan’s Rivaldo, who has also been deprived of first team football at his club this season, had put Brazil ahead with a 21st-minute penalty, his first international goal since last year’s World Cup quarterfinal against England. Brazil had chances to wrap up the game as they ran Peru ragged before halftime. But the home team, coached by Brazilian Paulo Autuori, fought their way back into the game after the break and Brazil were ultimately grateful for a point.

Danes Spoil Perfect Day for England

In Manchester, England, Jon Dahl Tomasson grabbed a late winner as Denmark marred an otherwise perfect sporting day for England with a 3-2 win in an entertaining friendly on Sunday.

The capacity crowd at Old Trafford paid tribute to the England’s rugby team’s advance to the World Cup final earlier in the day with regular renditions of Swing Low Sweet Chariot.

But an inexperienced England side were unable to match their rugby counterparts’ success on the field as the Danes twice come from behind in a frantic opening half-hour before snatching victory eight minutes from the end. Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson failed to hold a fierce long-range shot from Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands and AC Milan striker Tomasson pounced on the rebound.

Di Vaio Strike Gives Italy Win Over Romania

In Ancona, Italy, a superbly taken second-half goal from Marco Di Vaio gave Italy a 1-0 win over Romania in an international friendly on Sunday. The Italians fielded a weakened side but had the better chances and deserved to win a low-key game that coach Giovanni Trapattoni used to take a look at some fringe players.

The closest Romania came to scoring was an 89th-minute free kick from Adrian Mutu that keeper Christian Abbiati pushed wide.

After Italy lost a friendly 3-1 in Poland on Wednesday, Trapattoni was pleased with the way his makeshift team, without top players such as Christian Vieri and Alessandro Nesta, bounced back with a win.

Porto Inaugurate Euro 2004 Stadium With Friendly Win

In Oporto, Portugal, reigning champions Porto inaugurated their new stadium, built to stage five matches at the 2004 European Championship, with a 2-0 friendly victory over Spain’s Barcelona on Sunday.

Brazilian striker Derlei Silva put the northern club ahead from the penalty spot in the 56th minute and substitute midfielder Hugo Almeida doubled their lead with a header 13 minutes later. The stadium, which has a 52,000-seat capacity, will host the opening match of the Euro 2004 competition on June 12, a semifinal and three other ties.