LA PAZ, June 24: Brazil have assumed the mantle of overwhelming Copa America favourites as their main challengers have fallen by the wayside by the semi-final stage.

Brazil face Peru in Santa Cruz on Thursday and hosts Bolivia meet Mexico in La Paz, at 3,600-meter altitude (11,800-foot), tomorrow with holders Uruguay and 1993 champions Argentina out of the competition.

Brazil beat Paraguay 2-0 in their quarter-final on Sunday with two well taken goals from World Footballer of The Year, Ronaldo.

But they may play to the theme of organisation rather than an inspired Samba beat in their last two games as coach Mario Zagallo preached disciplined pragmatism in future.

``We were perfect,'' said Zagallo after Brazil's Copa America quarter-final.``This is the type of football we want to play.''

He also said on Sunday: ``I would rather win playing ugly footbal than lose playing attractive football. Efficiency in football is based on victories.Everyone wants to win and I'm no different.''

Zagallo's comments this week have been a sudden change of heart for a man who only last month appealed to coaches around the world to play more attacking football with flair.

But he may have been disappointed after Brazil lost 4-2 to Norway and let in three goals against Italy and two against Mexico in recent matches.

Mexico earned their last four berth with a 4-3 shoutout victory on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Ecuador following extra-time.

Luis Hernandez, Claudio Suarez, Cesar Chavez and Joel Sanchez however scored their kicks to send the Concacaf champions into the semi-final.

Mexico, who have played in South America's biennial championship the last three times as an invited guest, advanced all the way to the final four years ago before being beaten by Argentina 2-1.

And Argentina crashed out to Peru after having three players sent off while hosts Bolivia beat Colombia in the other weekend quarter-finals.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.