Brazil moved to the top of the South American Qualifying standings after coming from a goal down to beat Paraguay in Recife.
Salvador Cabanas put Paraguay ahead in the 26th minute with just the sixth goal against the Brazilians in 14 qualifying matches, but the hosts drew level before the break through Manchester City star Robinho before Nilmar struck the winner shortly after half-time.
The hosts started brighter as both Robinho and new Real Madrid signing Kaka tested Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar with long-range shots in the opening minute.
But they were knocked out of their stride mid-way through the first half when Cabanas was fouled by Juan on the edge of the area, and the America forward picked himself to fire home the resulting free kick.
After the goal Brazil went on the offensive but were restricted mainly to shots from range.
But four minutes before the break their attacking stance paid off as Dani Alves found Robinho in the box to pull Brazil level.
The hosts started the second half as they had ended the first, and within four minutes found themselves in front as Internacional forward Nilmar pounced on a rebound inside the six-yard box.
Villar kept his side in it as Kaka nearly set up Robinho for a third goal, before Dani Alves shaved the crossbar from a free-kick while the visitors never threatened a comeback.
"It was a very hard game, but we took a very important step towards the World Cup," said Robinho.
"We are not qualified yet," warned Kaka. "I want to thank all the fans from Recife, they supported us even when we were losing."
Brazil now leads the standings with 27 points, one ahead of Chile, three in front of Paraguay and five ahead of Argentina, who earlier lost 2-0 to Ecuador.
Brazil travel to Argentina next on September 5. Four games remain while the top four teams qualify for the South Africa tournament and the fifth-placed side goes to a play-off against the fourth-place nation in North and Central America and the Caribbean section.
