Chile beat Peru 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday to jump past five-time champions Brazil into third place in the South American tournament and crush any hope that remained in Peru for a place at South Africa 2010.

Alexis Sanchez scored in the second minute while Humberto Suazo and Matias Fernandez added goals before and after half time to seal Chile’s first victory against Peru – its classic rival - in Lima in 24 years.

Peru, in last place in continental qualifying, had serious problems creating opportunities against the Chileans. The Peruvian’s only goal came in the 33rd minute when forward John Fano beat the Chilean goalkeeper on a cross from Daniel Chavez.

Peru’s star player Juan Vargas, a winger for Italy’s Fiorentina, was sent off in the 52nd minute after receiving two yellow cards, leaving the Peruvians short-handed for the rest of the match.

Peru coach Guillermo del Solar said in a post-match interview that Vargas’ expulsion was the “breaking point” for his squad. Peru was down 2-1 at the time. Vargas won’t play in Wednesday’s match against Brazil.

With the victory, Chile moved into third place with 19 points. Argentina also has 19 points after beating Venezuela 4-0 on Saturday but has a better goal differential. Paraguay lead the tournament with 23 points.

Peru has only won one out of 11 matches, against Venezuela at home.

The game held added weight in Lima, where anti-Chilean sentiment, lingering from Peru’s loss in a 19th century border war, has swelled since Peru presented this month a demand against its wealthier neighbor in the Hague over a maritime dispute. Last year Peru’s army chief was forced to resign when a video surfaced on the internet showing the general telling a social gathering that any Chilean who comes to Peru should “leave in a coffin.”