Brazil hit the front early in the first half after Dani Alves' speculative long-range effort somehow eluded Viera, who appeared to misjudge the bounce of the ball as he attempted to clasp it to his chest.

The Villarreal goalkeeper's clanger paved the way for a comfortable Brazil win, with further goals from Juan, Luis Fabiano and Kaka taking the Selecao to the summit of the South American qualifying zone.

The margin of Brazil's superiority was scant consolation for Viera, who became the number-one target for the home supporters' frustrations as the match wore on.

"It was a long-distance shot that surprised me," said Viera.

"The ball got faster and faster and it bounced quite badly. It surprised me. If not, I would have caught it.

"Now I know what it feels when the entire stadium whistles at you. It never happened to me before.

"I am angry because my form here has always been good and the first time you do not do a good job you are booed like the worst player in the world.

"It's as if I had never done anything good for the national team.

"On the other hand, I understand the fans, because they sacrifice a lot to attend the matches.

"However, I am not a machine. None of my team-mates are."

The result leave the Charruas in fifth place in the 10-team qualifying group, and crucially in possession of the lone play-off berth against a side from the CONCACAF zone.

Uruguay travel to Venezuela on Wednesday and Viera added: "We are professionals and we must rise up our heads. We must train hard and try to win.

"We have some time before Wednesday. But if we had to play tomorrow, we would do so with all the will on earth."