ASUNCION, June 15 (Reuters) - Striker Roque Santa Cruz

scored one goal and set up a second to inspire 10-man Paraguay

to a 2-0 win over Brazil in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Santa Cruz scored from close range midway through the first

half and set up the second for Salvador Cabanas just after

halftime.

Paraguay, who top the South American group with 13 points

from five games, also hit the woodwork twice and won comfortably

despite having defender Dario Veron sent off early in the second

half.

The defeat left Brazil with eight points and increased the

pressure on coach Dunga following their shock 2-0 defeat to

Venezuela in a friendly 10 days ago.

Brazil, missing Kaka after he underwent a knee operation

last month, have not won in Asuncion since 1985.

Paraguay began the game with three forwards while Brazil

adopted a cautious approach with four defenders and three

tackling specialists in midfield.

The hosts quickly took control, won a flurry of corners and

sounded a warning in the 24th minute when Cabanas collected an

Edgar Barreto pass, skipped past a challenge and shot against

the post.

Paraguay deservedly went ahead two minutes later when, from

a corner on the left, Cabanas flicked the ball on at the near

post and Santa Cruz sidefooted in from close range.

Brazil's timid response was reduced to a couple of free

kicks around the penalty area, both wasted, and a Robinho shot

which was blocked by Justo Villar.

The visitors, who replaced Josue with Anderson at halftime,

got a break three minutes after the re-start when Paraguay

defender Dario Veron picked up a second yellow card for an

off-the-ball tackle on Robinho and was sent off.

But one minute later, Paraguay increased their lead with

Santa Cruz this time acting as provider for Cabanas.

The Blackburn Rovers striker burst down the left, his

cross-shot was parried by Julio Cesar but fell to Cabanas who

scored from close range.

Paraguay were close to a third in the 56th minute when

Cabanas hit the bar and Santa Cruz's shot from the rebound was

cleared off the line.

Brazil then took control but lacked creativity. Their best

effort was a long-range shot by Anderson which was turned away

by Villar, only the second serious save he made in the entire

game.