Uruguay, who were tied with Brazil on 24 points going into Sunday's match, drew 1-1 with Colombia and fell into fifth place.

The top four South American teams qualify for the World Cup, while the fifth plays Australia for the final spot.

The Brazilians started quickly against the cautious Chilean team, and a slick dribble by Vampeta was enough to bring shouts of "Ole" from the sellout crowd of 55,000 at Couto Pereira stadium.

Play got sloppy on the rain-slicked pitch, and the crowd grew impatient with Brazil's inability to move the ball past the dogged Chilean defence.

With Rivaldo inoperative as playmaker, Brazil failed to mount a coordinated attack and the game grew stale.

After 36 minutes, Rivaldo went close with a free kick from 20 yards out, but goalie Carlos Toro made a diving save.

Marcelinho Paraiba wasted two chances, and the crowd booed as the half ended.

But Brazil were a different team in the second half, when Betis striker Denilson replaced Paraiba.

In the 52nd minute, goalie Marcos sent a long kick upfield and found Edilson, who had joined the squad as a last-minute replacement for the injured Ronaldo.

Edilson cut inside defender Raul Munoz and shot low past Toro to make it 1-0.

The goal gave Brazil a lift, and in the 63rd minute Roma defender Cafu fired in a cross and Rivaldo's left-footed half-volley was deflected into the net for a 2-0 lead.