A hat-trick by Nilmar helped Brazil keep top of the South American World Cup qualifying zone with victory over Chile.

Despite having midfielder Felipe Melo sent off in the opening minutes of the second half and seeing Chile manage to overcome a two-goal deficit at one point, Brazil managed to win after they had already clinched the qualification with a 3-1 win at Argentina last weekend.

Chile also had one player dismissed as talented forward Alexis Sanchez was also shown red in the second period.

Brazil needed nine minutes to take a two-goal lead. In the 31st minute Daniel Alves crossed the ball to Adriano and Nilmar was quickest to slide in and score.

In the 40th minute, after a terrible mistake by Gonzalo Jara, Nilmar passed the ball to Alves, who assisted Julio Baptista to widen the gap.

However, with half-time was approaching, Felipe Melo fouled Sanchez in the box. Humberto Suazo fired home from the spot to reduce the deficit.

Felipe Melo was sent off for a tough foul on Sanchez four minutes after the interval. Three minutes later, Jean Beausejour crossed the ball from the left to Suazo, who equalised with a volley.

Chile boss Marcelo Bielsa decided to take Suazo off for Jorge Valdivia at the 68th and Chile lost attacking power.

Despite playing with one man less and being dominated by Chile, the five-time World Cup winners proved why they are the best team in the region by scoring twice in two minutes.

In the 74th, Nilmar headed a Dani Alves cross from the right home. A minute later, Gilberto Silva crossed the ball to Maicon and when his shot was saved by Omar Bravo, Nilmar connected to make it 4-2.

Only 60 seconds after Brazil’s fourth goal, Sanchez was shown red for protesting.

Chile never approached Brazil keeper Julio Cesar again and the scoring was no longer changed.

While Brazil are already through to the finals, Chile stay on 27 points and need only one more to secure qualification.