Brazil improved to a share of second in the standings with Argentina on 12 points, two behind leader Paraguay.

Brazil coach Dunga praised his players’ “perfect tactical performance.”

“We succeeded in closing spaces to the rival and opening our own space for our counterattacks,” he said.

Luis Fabiano scored in the 21st minute against the run of play, heading in Ronaldinho’s free kick.

After Ronaldinho’s penalty kick was saved by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, Robinho made it 2-0 a minute before halftime off a pass from Luis Fabiano.

Luis Fabiano finished the scoring in the 82nd with a solo run past defender Gary Medel.

A minute into the second half, Brazil was reduced to 10 men after midfielder Kleber was ejected for his second yellow card.

But Chile also lost a key player when midfielder Jorge Valdivia was expelled for a violent foul on Diego in the 61st.

Dunga said his most difficult decision during the match was to replace Ronaldinho after Kleber was expelled.

“But his reaction was very good. Being one of the world’s best players, he is great not only as a player but also as a man,” Dunga said of Ronaldinho.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa said his team’s key problem “was the physical weakness in our defense, facing a team which is very strong physically.”

“But on the attack, I was satisfied, our attacks had potential, although we didn’t score.”

On Wednesday, Chile will host Colombia, and Brazil will welcome Bolivia.