Brazil 3-1 Argentina

[rassel]

Ronaldo hit a hat-trick of penalties as Brazil sank arch-rivals Argentina 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier.

The win means Brazil have leapfrogged Argentina at the top of the South American group.

Ronaldo put Brazil ahead in the first half with a twice-taken penalty after being fouled by Manchester United target Gabriel Heinze.

And he added two other spot-kicks in the 68th minute and injury time with Juan Pablo Sorin scoring for Argentina.

Argentina's players surrounded Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz to protest at the end of the match.

But Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said there was nothing to argue about.

He said: "The goals were all normal, they were all penalties, and Ronaldo is still the player who makes the difference."



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Brazil: Dida; Cafu, Juan, Roque Junior, Roberto Carlos; Edmilson, Juninho Pernambucano (Julio Baptista, 75), Ze Roberto, Kaka (Alex, 75); Ronaldo, Luis Fabiano

Argentina: Pablo Cavallero; Facundo Quiroga, Walter Samuel, Gabriel Heinze; Javier Zanetti, Javier Mascherano, Luis Gonzalez (Pablo Aimar, 61), Juan Pablo Sorin; Cesar Delgado (Mauro Rosales, 36, replaced by Javier Saviola, 61), Hernan Crespo, Cristian Gonzalez



BBC sports

[Nasif]

Damn it. I am all time Argentina supporter. I don't know why?

[mzia]

Brazil needed it. Not for prestigious point only, but they were in jointly 3rd with Venezuela in the group.

For qualifying WC this result will be keeping them ahead.

Present title possessor is struggling for qualifying!

[rassel]

Whenever Argentina loses a game assume crack played a major part in their performance.