Brazil surged into the lead of South American qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, beating rival Argentina 3-1 Wednesday night behind three goals from Ronaldo on penalty kicks.

　　Ronaldo scored in the 16th, 67th and 90th minutes for the five-time champions after he was pulled down three times. Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz awarded the penalty kicks for fouls by Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano and goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero.

　　"It wasn't Brazil's greatest game ever, but the victory was very important," Ronaldo said.

　　Ronaldo had to convert the first penalty kick twice. Ruiz ordered his first shot to be retaken because Brazilian players entered the penalty area before his kick. On his second try, Ronaldo calmly sent a low shot past Cavallero.

　　Juan Pablo Sorin scored Argentina's goal in the 79th minute.

　　Ronaldo, the star of Brazil's win over Germany in the 2002 World Cup final, has six goals in qualifying for the 2006 tournament

　　"Ronaldo always makes a difference," Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

　　With one-third of the 18-game qualifying schedule completed, Brazil (3-0-3) has 12 points, one ahead of Argentina (3-1-2) and two ahead of Chile and Paraguay (both 3-2-1). The top four nations qualify for the 32-nation World Cup field, while the No. 5 team advances to a playoff.

　　Argentina, which outshot Brazil 14-11, controlled the game in the first half.

　　"We dominated the first half, but unfortunately we failed to score despite creating several scoring chances," Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa said.

　　Both teams played without key regulars. Brazil was missing Ronaldinho, sidelined by a muscle injury, and Argentina was without team captain Roberto Ayala, who was suspended.

　　Brazil, which leads the series 33-32-24, next plays at Chile on Sunday, while Argentina is host to Paraguay.

　　"It definitely feels different to beat Argentina," Parreira said. "They are one of the references in world soccer. It's hard to describe how good this feels right now."