BRAZIL recorded it fourth straight win under new coach Tuesday to become the new leader of South America’s World Cup qualifying group after 10 matches. Arch rival Argentina, however, was shocked 1-0 at home by Paraguay and is in a precarious fifth place. The two heavyweights will face each other in Brazil.

    Despite the absence of Barcelona star Neymar, Brazil had little trouble in winning 2-0 at Venezuela. Previous group leader Uruguay slipped to second after a creditable 2-2 draw away to Colombia. Brazil is now one point ahead of Uruguay in the table.

    Elsewhere, third place Ecuador managed to come from behind and stop ninth place Bolivia in the altitude of La Paz with a 2-2 draw. Copa America champion Chile took a much-needed 2-1 home victory over Peru.

    It took only seven minutes for Brazil to forget the suspended Neymar’s absence, keep up its new-found momentum and prove Venezuela deserves the bottom position in the South American qualifiers. Teenage striker Gabriel Jesus, recently signed by Manchester City, scored his fourth goal in his fourth international appearance with a classy lob over goalkeeper Dani Hernandez, who had given the ball away easily.

    Winger Willian, who replaced Neymar, scored the second at 55 minutes after a cross by midfielder Renato Augusto.

    It was Brazil’s least impressive performance under new coach Tite but he is enjoying a honeymoon period as the new coach, having lifted the Selecao from sixth in the standings to top spot. The match was interrupted at 67 minutes when the light went out in the economically troubled country. It took 22 minute to restart the game.

    Argentina finds itself in fifth place, which yields only a further playoff position rather than automatic qualification for Russia 2018.(SD-Agencies)