QUITO, Ecuador -- Argentina defeated host Ecuador 2-0 Wednesday to become South America's first representative to the 2002 World Cup.

Juan Sebastian Veron gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute on a strong 40-yard kick.

Hernan Crespo scored the second Argentine goal on a penalty kick in the 34th minute, prompted by a hands call against Ecuadorian winger Cleber Chala, who was subsequently expelled.

The loss ended Ecuador's unbeaten home streak, but the team still stands a good chance of qualifying for its first World Cup ever.