SAO PAULO — Partying fans gave Brazil players a hero's welcome early Sunday as they arrived home from a convincing victory over Argentina in World Cup qualifying.

Brazil couldn't have asked for more from its trip to Rosario on Saturday — a 3-1 win over its rival and a spot in next year's World Cup. Argentina had lost only once before at home in 50 World Cup qualifying matches, a 5-0 defeat to Colombia in 1993.

Nearly 1,000 fans made it to Salvador international airport around 6 a.m. to greet the Brazil team, which next faces Chile on Wednesday.

Brazil coach Dunga will be without the services of Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Ramires and Lucio for the match — all suspended after picking up yellow cards.

"We are moved to see this kind of party for us here," said Kaka, who made his 70th international appearance against Argentina. "I'm sure that at the stadium against Chile it's going to be just as nice."

Many fans chanted, waved flags and held signs celebrating Brazil's victory and taunting the Argentines, who are in serious danger of not making it to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Brazil tops the South American qualifying group with 30 points, three more than Chile and Paraguay. Argentina has 22 points, two more than Colombia and Ecuador. Only the top four teams automatically qualify, while the fifth-placed nation faces a playoff against the fourth-placed finisher in the CONCACAF region.

The front pages of nearly all Brazilian newspapers made references to Brazil's victory, its first in Argentina in 14 years.

"Samba in Rosario," read the Lance sports daily's headline.

Brazil's 3-1 victory, courtesy of two goals from striker Luis Fabiano and one by defender Luisao, extended Brazil's winning streak to nine matches and it unbeaten mark to 18.