Eager to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, Peruvian and Brazilian fans called on shamans and wizards on Thursday to endow their national teams with victorious powers before Sunday's clash in the Peruvian capital.

Dressed in brightly coloured ponchos, Peruvian shamans covered photos of Peru's captain Claudio Pizarro and flamboyant striker Andres Mendoza with magical 'Huaringa' plants to bring good luck.

Brazilian wizards fought back with 'Macumba' mystical wax dolls, while pouring beer on the photos of the Peruvian strikers, aiming to weaken the Peruvians and make them feel drunk on the pitch.

"We are dancing out the 'Hatun Peru' ritual to give Peru a chance and hold back Brazil's footballing powers," shaman Juan Osco told Reuters outside Lima's Monumental Stadium, where the match will be held.

Peru are desperate to put past failures behind them and qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1982. After a strong start in the qualifiers, beating Paraguay 4-1, Peru lost 2-1 to Chile in Santiago in September.

Now the Andean nation faces the five-time World Cup winners and current holders who are without injured defender Roberto Carlos and forward Ronaldinho.

"Brazil will defeat Peru 2-0," said Brazilian wizard Santino Kristal, showering yellow flowers and holy water on the photos of the Brazilian team. "There is no doubt about it," he added.

Peru, coached by Brazilian Paulo Autuori, have never beaten Brazil in a World Cup qualifier, while the Brazilians have six points from their opening two games and are the only country ever to have played at all 17 World Cups.

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