Brazil lose in World Cup qualifying

Football titans Brazil and Argentina struggled when World Cup qualifying resumed in South America on Sunday after a seven-month break.

Paraguay defeated Brazil 2-0 with a man less, Argentina needed a last-minute goal to draw with Ecuador 1-1 and Chile beat winless Bolivia 2-0 at altitude in a fifth round in which Paraguay remained atop the standings.

Paraguay, the only team still unbeaten, have 13 points, followed by Argentina with 10, Colombia 9, Brazil 8 and Venezuela and Chile 7 each.

Brazil hadn't won a qualifier in Asuncion in 23 years, and Paraguay weren't intimidated by the arrival of the five-time world champion, especially after three wins and a draw in their seven previous matchups.

Even after defender Dario Veron was ejected on yellow cards in the 47th minute, Paraguay doubled their lead only a minute later.

Roque Santa Cruz's sprint from midfield ended with a saved shot, but Salvador Cabanas put in the rebound.

The pair also combined on the first goal in the 25th. Edgar Barreto sent in a corner kick, and Cabanas heeled a pass to Santa Cruz who slammed it in to a roar of 33,000 fans at Defensores del Chaco.

Brazil, who suffered a first-ever 2-0 loss to Venezuela in a friendly just over a week ago, missed the injured Kaka. Neither Robinho, Luis Fabiano,or Adriano had any impact.

The result didn't bode well for Brazil's next qualifier at home with archrival Argentina on Wednesday, but Argentina had their problems trying to subdue Ecuador.

Coming off a loss to Colombia in their last qualifier, Argentina were spared from consecutive defeats thanks to a last-minute goal by Rodrigo Palacio, who'd arrived as a substitute only moments beforehand.

Patricio Urrutia scored with a well-lofted ball thanks to a heel-pass from Carlos Tenorio in the 69th minute for Ecuador and Palacio answered late much to the relief of 42,000 at River Plate Stadium.

At La Paz, Gary Medel scored in each half for Chile's second win.

Medel knocked in a rebound in the 28th minute, and made sure of victory with a second goal in the 76th before 35,000 fans at Hernando Siles Stadium, where Bolivia have picked up only one point and remained bottom of the standings.

On Tuesday, it's Uruguay v Peru, then on Wednesday Ecuador host Colombia and Bolivia welcome Paraguay. Venezuela face Chile on Thursday.