Argentina became the first South American team to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ecuador last night.
Goals from Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo sealed the win for Argentina, who are the runaway leaders of South America's qualifying table.
The result leaves Argentina with 35 points from 14 matches, and means they are guaranteed of a top four spot in the overall standings.
Brazil put themselves back on course for a place in the World Cup by beating Paraguay 2-0. The game ended with a spitting incident involving Paraguay captain Jose Luis Chilavert and Brazil full-back Roberto Carlos.
Striker Marcelinho Paraiba's first international goal in the fifth minute and Rivaldo's header in the 70th gave Brazil the three points.
Brazil stay fourth in the South American group with 24 points.
The top four teams qualify automatically for next year's finals in South Korea and Japan. - AFP