Oct. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Robinho scored twice as Brazil won 4-0 away at Venezuela to move into second place at the halfway stage of South American soccer World Cup qualifying.

FIFA world player of the year Kaka also netted on his return to the national team today following an 11-month absence, while Adriano added the other goal in San Cristobal.

Brazil extended its perfect qualifying record to 13 wins against Venezuela to move to 16 points in the 10-team standings headed by Paraguay with 20 points. The top four after 18 home- and-away games advance to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Argentina is third, behind Brazil on goal difference, following yesterday's 2-1 home win over Uruguay. Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero got the goals as Argentina ended its four-game winless run in the group.

Chile stayed fourth even after today's 1-0 loss at Ecuador, while Salvador Cabanas got the only goal in a 1-0 win at Colombia yesterday that maintained Paraguay's four-point lead at the top.

At Venezuela's Estadio Pueblo Nuevo, Brazil fired three goals in the first 20 minutes to take control.

AC Milan playmaker Kaka, who has been unavailable for Brazil this year because of injuries, put the visiting team ahead in the sixth minute when he rifled a right-foot shot past home goalkeeper Renny Vega.

Robinho made it 2-0 five minutes later when he cut in from the left and unleashed a 30-yard right-foot shot into the top corner of the goal. Adriano added the third from close range in the 19th minute.

Manchester City striker Robinho added his second after 69 minutes when he controlled Kleber's through ball before slotting the ball into the corner of the goal.

The 10th round of matches starts in two days when Bolivia hosts Uruguay. Brazil faces Colombia and Argentina visits Chile among the games the following day.

To contact the reporter on this story: Dan Baynes in Sydney at dbaynes@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: October 12, 2008 21:38 EDT