Argentina came from behind to defeat Brazil in a 2002 World Cup qualifying clash of South America's football heavyweights in Buenos Aires early this morning.

Argentina - who had already booked their place at next year's finals in Japan and South America - earned the win after an own goal from Brazilian defender Cris five minutes from time.

A teasing cross from Argentina's Lazio star Claudio Lopez into the Brazilian area created panic in the visitors' defence, with Cris sticking a foot out and guiding the ball into his own net.

The winner came after Argentina had equalised in the 77th minute with a header from France-based substitute Marcelo Gallardo. Gallardo's leveller was well-deserved. Argentina had dominated the match throughout despite falling behind to a freak early goal.

Argentina's captain Roberto Ayala leapt with Brazil's former world footballer of the year Rivaldo to meet a long throw-in and his faint touch headed the ball just over the goal-line in the second minute.

For the remainder of the first half Brazil found themselves having to defend in numbers as Argentina swept forward relentlessly chasing an equaliser to the freak goal.

At times the match threatened to boil over into violence, with the Argentina players weighing in with some brutal tackles.

Rivaldo, who had gone close shortly after the goal, complained several times to referee Urs Meier after finding himself on the receiving end of some vigorous close marking.

Argentina's midfield hard-man Diego Simeone earned a booking for a cynical off-the-ball hacking of Roberto Carlos while former Arsenal player Nelson Vivas also went into the book. Vivas was cautioned for a wild slash on striker Marcelinho.

The win leaves Brazil level on points with Uruguay in South America's qualifying table. Brazil are in fourth spot with Uruguay behind on goal difference.