Brazil secured their place at the 2010 football World Cup with an impressive 3-1 win over arch-rivals Argentina while South America's other candidates jockeyed for the region's other three automatic berths.
The defeat left Diego Maradona's side contemplating the dreaded prospect of missing out on the finals but Argentina did cling on to the fourth and final qualifying place after Colombia beat Ecuador 2-0.
Chile and Paraguay (27) are both three points behind Brazil (30) and on the verge of sealing spots in South Africa with three matches remaining in the marathon 18-game qualifying round.
Bottom side Peru ended a run of six consecutive losses with a surprise 1-0 home win over Uruguay compromising the visitors' chances of taking fifth place and going into a playoff.