Brazil beat Argentina to reach World Cup

Rosario, Argentina:

Brazil booked a place in next year's World Cup and further threatened archrival Argentina's chances of qualifying by winning their qualifier 3-1 on Saturday.

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 qualified: Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and the Netherlands. South Africa qualifies automatically as host.

Fabiano scored in the 30th and 67th with Luisao opening the scoring in the 24th. Jesus Datolo got Argentina's goal in the 65th.

Brazil top the South American group with 30 points. Argentina are 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.

Argentina benefited from Colombia's 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday. Had Ecuador won, they would have moved ahead of Argentina and pushed the Gauchos out of the top four.

Argentina play on Wednesday at Paraguay and Brazil are home against Chile. Argentina wrap up qualifying with a home match Oct. 10 against Peru and away at Uruguay on Oct. 13.

Brazil play at Bolivia on Oct. 10 and are home against Venezuela on Oct. 13.

Argentina: Mariano Andujar, Javier Zanetti, Nicolas Otamendi, Sebastian Dominguez, Gabriel Heinze, Maxi Rodriguez (Sergio Aguero, 45th), Javier Mascherano, Juan Sebastian Veron, Jesus Datolo, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez (Diego Milito, 69th).

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos, Elano (Dani Alves, 68th), Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Kaka, Robinho (Ramirez, 68th), Luis Fabiano (Adriano, 76th).