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Ecuador's hopes of qualifying for a third successive World Cup were killed off when they lost their final South American qualifying game 1-0 away to Chile.

Striker Humberto Suazo scored early in the second half for Chile, who had already secured their place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

Shaven-headed Suazo fired the ball into the roof of the net from about six metres after Rodrigo Millar touched Arturo Vidal's pass into his path.

Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo was sent off for a shocking challenge in the 85th minute when he landed his studs in a Chilean player's groin.

Although they needed a win to have any realistic chance of overhauling either of Argentina or Uruguay, Ecuador showed little urgency in the first half.

Edison Mendez had their best chance when he scraped the post after a one-two with Cristian Lara just before the break.

Ecuador, who lost 2-1 at home to Uruguay on Saturday, were more adventurous after Suazo's goal but they also left gaps at the back and were lucky not to go further behind when Jorge Valdivia's chip was turned over by goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga.

Chile ended their 18-match campaign with 33 points and Ecuador mustered 23 points to finish sixth in the 10-team group.

Brazil failed to beat Venezuela in a competitive international for the first time when they were held 0-0 at home.

Brazil, who had qualified for South Africa with three matches to spare, twice hit the bar and played the last half hour with 10 men after defender Miranda was sent off for elbowing Giancarlo Maldonado.

It was the 19th competitive match between the two, Brazil having won all the others. However, Venezuela won 2-0 last year on the only occasion the two sides met in a friendly.

Dunga's team completed their 18-match campaign in the South American group with 34 points and topped the group after Paraguay lost 2-0 at home to Colombia to finish with 33 points.

Gustavo Ramos and Hugo Rodallega scored for Colombia in the last half hour, consigning Paraguay to third behind Chile on goal difference.

Brazil's best performances have been away from home where they have been able to capitalise on their devastating counter-attack, but they have found life more difficult at home when faced with teams who defend en masse.

Wednesday's match was their fourth home goalless draw of the campaign following stalemates against Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia.

Venezuela, who needed to win to have any chance of qualifying for their first World Cup, finished with 22 points from 18 games.

Midfielder Gilberto Silva hit the Venezuela crossbar with a header early in the second half after he outjumped the defence at a corner. Kaka was also foiled by the woodwork in stoppage time after a break down the left.

Diego Maradona's Argentina qualified after a 1-0 win in Uruguay gave them the final automatic qualifying place from South America.

Reuters