Gabriel Jesus struck a double as Brazil defeated Chile to leave Alexis Sanchez and the Copa America holders out of Russia 2018.
The Manchester City star, back at the home of the club that made him, Palmeiras, profited from a sublime move involving Philippe Coutinho and Neymar to discard a limited Chile side.
The Arsenal striker produced his typical hardworking performance, but without the suspended Arturo Vidal, La Roja failed to create enough to grab the win they required to avoid relying on other results to qualify for Russia 2018.
Paulinho converted the opener from close range after Claudio Bravo spilled Neymar's dipping, long-range free-kick.
Then the magic trio of Coutinho, Neymar and Gabriel sliced open the Copa America holders with a beautiful direct move.
The Selecao will be hotly tipped, along with Germany, as favourites next summer, here are five talking points:
1. Tite needs an orchestrator in Coutinho
Brazil's front three, which includes Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho, has been receiving plenty of praise as the Selecao shape up nicely for Russia 2018.
But Tite knows his midfield might be lacking when required to prize open stubborn defences, which could mean breaking up that sublime trio.
A midfield cast of Casemiro, Paulinho and Renato Augusto was unable to press the issue against Chile for large spells, which led to Coutinho dropping deep.
The Liverpool man, when afforded the opportunity to buzz around the central areas of the pitch, can be a real menace with clever movement making him difficult to pick up.
His deep balls will also prove lethal, as was the case for the second goal, so why leave him in the advanced areas?
Add in another attacking player, even one who can compensate for Coutinho's lack of physicality in the midfield, such as Willian, and Brazil could be set to win their sixth title.
2. Paulinho goals underrated
The Barcelona midfielder is much maligned for his inability to play a champagne pass, or perhaps dribble past three challenges and place it into the top corner.
But what he can do is arrive, or wait, in the right areas to profit from loose balls and maximise the danger created as superstars like Neymar and Coutinho carry or deliver the ball into and around the penalty area.
His physicality, to go with Casemiro's destruction, also gives Brazil an edge against some elite sides when the flow of the game is not quite there.
3. Chile must rebuild and not solely depend on Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez was ultimately helpless as Chile lacked a supporting cast to compliment his super talent.
The Arsenal star will sadly miss out on the showcase next summer, which will be worse off for his absence.
Sanchez was tasked with sprinting down the channels and delivering set-pieces in search of an unlikely goal.
In the end it proved too much and now Chile will have to reload and begin a rebuild that does not solely rely on Sanchez's magic.
4. Vidal absence proves decisive
Arturo Vidal was left "gutted" after picking up a suspension vs Ecuador to miss the crucial qualifier vs Brazil and his absence was felt.
The Bayern midfielder's lung-busting runs from deep to exploit the space behind Alexis Sanchez's runs was something lacking from La Roja's performance.
Instead a lot was asked of Sanchez, who was forced to push into the channels and hold the ball, with support taking considerably longer to arrive.
Not only was his absence felt going forward, but following runs from the opposition from deep also hurt La Roja.
5. Brazil have best attacking partnership in football
Neymar and Gabriel are a joy to watch, their telepathic understanding and wonderful balance and composure in possession could make the difference next summer.
The hosts' second goal proved how dangerous they can be, they don't need to put together a mazy dribble or collection of passes.
Neymar pace over the top and Gabriel's movement to find space in the box can be enough, the PSG superstar's unselfishness will see the City striker pile up the goals in his Selecao career.
Did Alexis Sanchez and Chile qualify for the World Cup after final qualifier vs Brazil?