Crespo bubbles with a double over Brazil

Two goals from Hernan Crespo helped Argentina beat Brazil 3-1 and book their place in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

The home team stunned Brazil with a terrific first-half performance in which Chelsea striker Crespo, expected to stay on loan at AC Milan next season, bagged a brace and Juan Roman Riquelme also scored.

Brazil finally reduced the deficit thanks to a fine free-kick by Roberto Carlos in the 72nd minute.

Crespo said: "I'm very happy, the supporters deserved this victory. We played very well and deserved to win. We had a terrific first half to obtain the victory."

Defeat leaves Brazil - who have not won in Buenos Aires for nearly a decade - needing three points from their last three games to guarantee a place in the finals.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said: "The way Argentina played in the first-half they deserved the victory. On Saturday against Paraguay [a 4-1 victory] we were in paradise but tonight we were in hell.

"For some reason we always find it difficult to play in Buenos Aires. A quick goal changes the whole story and I think Argentina won the game in the first 20 minutes.

"Argentina deserved to win the game. They didn't make that many chances in the first half but they took them. We created six chances in the second half but we didn't take them."