Two goals from Vampeta and another from Alex put Brazil spectacularly back on track after a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, as the four-times champions swamped group leaders Argentina 3-1 in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night.

Brazil had been in woeful form going into their encounter with their bitter rivals, whereas the visitors had won all five of their previous matches. But, with home coach Wanderley Luxemburgo's job in danger, his side performed brilliantly to save him from the wrath of 80,000 fanatical fans at the Morumbi stadium.

Alex gave Brazil the perfect start when he headed the opener in the fifth minute. Despite Argentina seeing more of the ball, they were not making their territorial domination count and Vampeta doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, netting after Argentinean goalkeeper Roberto Bonano had fumbled a crisp effort from Alex.

But, seconds later, Matias Almeyda, a 39th-minute substitute for Javier Zanetti, scored after good work by Hernan Crespo to give Argentina a chance of securing a point. Those hopes died, however, when Vampeta completed the scoring five minutes after the restart, following a pass from the ubiquitous Alex.

Luxemburgo was ebullient afterwards, and said Brazil, who lost their second-ever qualifier last week to Paraguay, had turned the corner after drawing two and losing one of their opening five matches. "The victory was a very important step on our road to World Cup qualification," he said.

Wednesday's win moves Brazil from fifth to second in the 10-team table, from which four teams will qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

Brazil, who play in Chile in their next match in three weeks' time, were further cheered by Wednesday's goalless draw between Uruguay and Peru in Montevideo.

The Uruguayans dropped two homepoints against eighth-placed Peru and are now third on goal difference behind Brazil. Argentina's next match is at home to fifth-placed Paraguay next month.