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Argentina humble Brazil 3-1

Brazil's Robinho (centre) drives past Argentina's Luis Gonzalez (left) and Javier Saviola in the second half of their soccer World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires, yesterday. Argentina beat Brazil 3-1. - Reuters

BUENOS AIRES, (REUTERS)

ARGENTINA YESTERDAY PRODUCED a stunning first-half performance as they scored three times before the break to beat arch-rivals Brazil 3-1 and qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Two goals by Hernan Crespo and one from Juan Roman Riquelme stunned the world champions, who fought back in the second half and replied with a trademark free kick from Roberto Carlos.

Despite the loss, Brazil remain second in the 10-nation South American group on 27 points from 15 games and are almost certain to advance along with Argentina, maintaining their proud record as the only country to have played at every finals.

They only need three points to guarantee their place and still have to face Chile and Venezuela at home and bottom side Bolivia away.

Argentina, who have 31 points, are certain of a top-four finish with three matches to go.

In South American qualifying, the top four teams advance and the fifth plays off against the Oceania region winners.