BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Argentina rallied in the final 15 minutes, beating Brazil 2-1 Wednesday night in a World Cup qualifier when Brazilian defender Cris accidentally chested the ball in his own net.

Brazil, which has just one victory and one tie in its last five qualifiers, went ahead in the second minute, getting an own goal when Argentina's Roberto Ayala accidentally put the ball in his own net.

Argentina, already assured of a berth in next year's tournament, tied it on Marcelo Gallardo's header off a pass from Ariel Ortega in the 75th, then went ahead in the 85th on the own goal by Cris.

Brazil, traditionally a soccer power, is struggling to gain one of South America's four guaranteed berths in the 2002 tournament. The No. 5 team meets Australia in a playoff

Argentina (12-1-2) leads South American qualifying with 38 points. Paraguay (9-4-2), which won 5-1 at Bolivia on Wednesday night, is second with 29 points followed by Ecuador (8-5-1) with 25 and Brazil and Uruguay (both 7-5-3) with 24 each. Brazil stayed ahead of Uruguay (plus four) on goal difference, plus-11 to plus 4.