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.

• Dunga delight, Maradona misery

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.