Argentina beat Brazil with dramatic fightback

Argentina scored twice in the last 13 minutes to beat Brazil 2-1 on Wednesday and plunge their arch-rivals back into trouble in the World Cup qualifying competition.

Brazil, the only team to have played at every World Cup, stunned the 60,000 crowd by taking a third minute lead with a bizarre wind-assisted own goal by Roberto Fabian Ayala.

The four times world champions held out until the 77th minute when Marcelo Gallardo headed in from a chance created by substitue Ariel Ortega.

Then Brazilian defender Cris -- under pressure from Ortega -- turned a cross from Claudio Lopez into his own net from close range to hand Argentina the winning goal with five minutes remaining.

Brazil, who have 24 points, stayed fourth in the South American qualifying group but are only ahead of Uruguay on goal difference.

The top four teams qualify and the fifth plays off against Oceania winners Australia.

Argentina, who lead the group with 38 points, have already qualified.

AVENGING DEFEAT

Argentina were looking to celebrate their early qualification by beating their old rivals and avenging last year's 3-1 defeat in Sao Paulo, their only previous loss of the campaign.

Brazil poured cold water on the festivities in the third minute when a long throw-in by Roberto Carlos was caught by the wind, Argentina defender Roberto Fabian Ayala got a faint touch and the ball bounced over the line before goalkeeper German Burgos to stop it.

Brazil, who admitted before the game that they were prepared to foul their opponents if necessary to break up their moves, did exactly that and the first half developed into an ugly midfield scrap.

Swiss referee Urs Meier was lenient as some rough challenges flew in and the game threatened to get out of control.

Argentina still created several chances.

Marcos made two saves in a minute from Javier Zanetti and Pablo Aimar while Kily Gonzalez was twice close for Argentina.

At the other end, Ayala nearly put into his own goal again as he attempted to clear a cross by Elber and Burgos made a desperate save to prevent Marcelinho Paraiba adding a second.

NARROW ANGLE

Argentina, who clearly missed suspended midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, stepped up a gear after halftime when Ortega replaced Diego Placente.

Crespo hit the post from a narrow angle after latching on to a long pass from Pablo Aimar.

Argentina finally broke through when Ortega beat his marker and crossed to the centre, where Gallardo nipped in between the defence to head the equaliser.

The winner came in similar style, this time from the left where Lopez's cross was deflected past Marcos by the unlucky Cris.