Brazil booked a place in next year’s World Cup and further threatened arch-rival Argentina’s chances of qualifying by winning their qualifier 3-1 on Saturday.
Luis Fabiano scored two goals and Luisao added another for Brazil, raising the pressure on Argentina coach Diego Maradona.
The victory in the World Cup qualifier guarantees Brazil a place in next year’s 32-team tournament — as expected. The five-time champions have played in every World Cup. Six other nations have already advanced: Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the Netherlands. South Africa qualifies automatically as host.
Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano scored in the 30th and 67th after Benfica defender Luisao opened the scoring in the 24th. Napoli midfielder Jesus Datolo got Argentina’s goal in the 65th.
“It’s going to be tough,” said Maradona, whose country has not missed a World Cup since 1970. “It will be more difficult because of today.”
Brazil tops the South American group with 30 points followed by Chile and Paraguay (27). Argentina is hanging on in fourth place with 22 with Ecuador and Colombia (20) right behind. The top four qualify automatically. The No. 5 faces a playoff with the No. 4 team from the CONCACAF region for another berth.
In the four other matches on Saturday in South America: Peru defeated Uruguay 1-0, Colombia downed Ecuador 2-0, Chile was held 2-2 by Venezuela and Paraguay beat Bolivia 1-0.
“We’re happy,” Brazil coach Dunga said. “We beat a great team with great champions. [Lionel] Messi might be the best player in the world. We beat Argentina, which had not lost a match at home in qualifying.”
Argentina benefited from Colombia’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador. Had Ecuador won, it would have moved ahead of Argentina and pushed the Gauchos out of the top four.
Argentina had not lost a home qualifying match in 16 years and started the match confidently, with Juan Sebastian Veron and Messi dictating possession and pinning Brazil back in front of 40,000 in Rosario.
Messi shot narrowly wide and then sliced through three challenges as Argentina threatened to open the scoring in the first 15 minutes.
Brazil hit back with devastating effect, scoring two goals in barely seven minutes to leave the disorganized Argentine defense in shreds.
In Brazil’s first real attack, Elano crossed for Luisao to head home. The ball flew past goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, leaving serious questions about the space given to the Brazilian defender in the heart of the box.
The second hammer blow came after Gilberto Silva lifted a high cross into the box. As the ball bobbled, Luis Fabiano pounced to force the ball past Andujar.
Argentina almost cut the deficit in the 38th minute when Carlos Tevez centered and Maxi Rodriguez forced Julio Cesar to make a fantastic stop with his legs from close range.
In the second half, Argentina resorted to high crosses in an attempt to disturb the Brazilian defense.
Datolo gave the Argentine supporters hope after receiving a pass from Veron and launching an unstoppable drive from outside the area.
The comeback attempt was soon snuffed out. Kaka was again the creator with a measured pass to Luis Fabiano, who made no mistake with the finish and re-established Brazil’s two-goal lead.
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