South American round-up

Argentina beat arch rivals Brazil 3-1 to qualify for the World Cup in Germany.

Argentina stunned the World Cup holders in a first half blitz in Buenos Aires with two goals from Hernan Crespo and one from Juan Roman Riquelme putting the hosts well in charge.

Brazil improved in the second half and Roberto Carlos pulled a goal back with a trademark free kick, but it was not enough to get them back into the game.

Argentina now lead the South American qualifying group by four points from Brazil, and have now sealed their place in Germany 2006.

The holders still look certain to join Argentina in Germany as they need just three more points to guarantee their spot with three games left to play.

Third-placed Ecuador slipped up in Colombia, with a 3-0 defeat in Barranquilla putting their qualification in jeopardy.

A double from midfielder Tressor Moreno stunned Ecuador inside ten minutes, and Martin Arzuaga added a third to move Colombia up into fifth place.

Paraguay occupy the fourth automatic World Cup finals place after they thumped bottom side Bolivia 4-1 in Asuncion.

Carlos Gamarra put the hosts ahead, although Gonzalo Galindo did draw Bolivia level on the half hour mark.

Roque Santa Cruz restored Paraguay's lead on the stroke of half time, and goals from Julio Cesar Caceres and Jorge Nunez saw them secure a comfortable 4-1 win.

Sixth-placed Chile are still well in contention, as a 2-1 win over Venezuela sees them just two points off fourth place.

A Luis Jimenez double gave the hosts all three points, despite Ruberth Moran grabbing a late goal for the visitors.