FOXBORO, Massachusetts (AFP) - Venezuela have claimed their first ever victory over Brazil when they shocked the South American football power 2-0 in a friendly international match.

Giancarlo Maldonado, who plays for Atlante of Mexico, opened the scoring in the sixth minute on Friday, and Ronald Vargas made it 2-0 for Venezuela in the 44th.

Venezuela had never beaten Brazil in 17 previous encounters at the national level.

This duel, played before a crowd of 54,045 fans at Gilette Stadium, was part of both teams' preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

In its next qualifying contests, Brazil faces Paraguay in Asuncion on June 15 and three days later they take on Argentina at Minerao stadium in Belo Horizonte.

Venezuela continues its preparatory tour when they take on the Dutch Antilles in Curacao, before taking on Uruguay in Montevideo in a World Cup qualifier.