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The first team to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup is...

March 29, 2017 13:25 IST

IMAGE: Players of Brazil celebrate victory against Paraguay during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Arena Corinthians. Photograph: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Brazil have become the first team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, maintaining their proud record as the tournament's only ever-present side with a little help from Lionel Messi's foul mouth and lightly-regarded Peru.

The five-times champions beat Paraguay 3-0 on Tuesday for their eighth successive win in the South American qualifying competition.

That in itself was not enough to confirm their participation in Russia but Peru's surprise 2-1 win over Uruguay in a later game guaranteed Brazil a top-four finish.

With four rounds of fixtures remaining, Brazil have 33 points, followed by Colombia (24), Uruguay and Chile (23). Argentina (22) are currently in fifth place, which earns a two-legged playoff against the top-ranked Oceania region side.

Russia are guaranteed a place as hosts.

Source: REUTERS
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