PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil A hat-trick by Barcelona forward Rivaldo and a goal by Ronaldo gave Brazil a convincing 4-2 victory over Argentina on Tuesday to gain ample revenge for Saturday's Brazil were on the attack from the start with Ronaldo Assis, Rivaldo and Ronaldo looking sharp and dangerous. Rivaldo was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out for offside after 12 minutes but broke through with two quick goals in two minutes after 41 minutes.

Roberto Ayala pulled one back for Argentina in first half injury time and the goal lifted the visitors who looked more dangerous after the break. The entry of Diego Simeone and Marcelo Gallardo, two of five second half substitutes, gave them more strength up front but the changes unbalanced the team and they looked vulnerable at the back. They were duly punished in the 70th minute when Rivaldo scored his best goal of the night and Ronaldo got the goal his efforts deserved 12 minutes later.

Ariel Ortega cashed in on some sloppy defending to notch Argentina's second two minutes from time but it could not spoil the celebrations on Brazil's Independence Day. (Reuter)