Brazil became the first South American nation to make it to the
World Cup finals as they defeated old enemies Argentina 3-1 in the
South American - League Group in Rosario.
A brace by Luis Fabiano after a Luisao header opened the scoring
helped the five-time world champions book their tickets to travel
for South Africa next year.
It confirmed Brazil's qualification but leaves Argentina in fourth
just two points ahead of the play-off places.
Argentina started attacking Brazil from the start, Lionel Messi
going wide with a left-footed shot in the 13th minute to rouse
the home crowd.
However, it was the visitors who took the lead 11 minutes later
when Luisao headed home a Kaka free-kick past the Albicelestes
goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.
The goal came from their first foray into the Argentina box and
the shocked hosts almost pulled level two minutes later but Maximiliano
Rodriguez failed to deflect Juan Sebastian Veron's free-kick.
Instead, Brazil doubled their lead after half an hour.
Maicon shot from Kaka's cross was saved by Andujar but the keeper
then failed to hold on to the ball. Sevilla striker Fabiano pounced
on the rebound to slot home.
Argentina almost reduced the deficit seven minutes later when
Rodriguez unleashed a shot following Carlos Tevez's right-wing
cross but Julio Cesar was equal to it.
Argentina were then grateful to Andujar when he blocked Lucio's
header just before half-time, the goalkeeper proving to be the
pick of the home players in the first half.
Sergio Aguero replaced Rodriguez but the hosts were still having
little joy despite enjoying more pressure.
However, they halved the deficit after 65 minutes when Napoli
midfielder Jesus Datolo finally beat Cesar with a shot from outside
the box
The hosts' optimism was short-lived though as Fabiano scored
a second by finishing off a counter-attack.
Diego Milito, who replaced Tevez, could have given Argentina
some hope with his 72nd-minute attempt, but Cesar thwarted his
Inter Milan team-mate.
It was Argentina's first World Cup qualifying home defeat since
September 5 1993, when they lost 5-0 to Colombia in Buenos Aires.
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