Diego Tardelli scored both goals as Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 in a Beijing tussle billed as the Superclásico de las Américas. The Atlético Mineiro striker grabbed the first after a blunder in the Argentina defence, and headed the second just after the hour mark.
Lionel Messi missed a penalty for Argentina when Brazil’s lead was only one goal, his spot-kick saved by Jefferson.
It was a match in which both teams were under new managers after the World Cup, with Dunga in charge of Brazil and Gerardo Martino leading Argentina.
Ángel Di María, Manchester United’s new recruit, shone in the early stages for Argentina, spearheading a string of attacks. Jefferson, though, repelled everything flung at him.
It was shocking defending that cost Brazil in the World Cup, where – as hosts – they crumpled to a 7-1 semi-final defeat by Germany, but this time the defensive calamity came from those in blue and white.
It arrived in the 28th minute, when Oscar crossed a rather innocuous ball from the right. Federico Fernández and Pablo Zabaleta both went after it, but the Swansea and Manchester City defenders got in each other’s way and an unconvincing header from Fernández landed at the feet of Tardelli, who drilled a low shot across goal and into the far corner.
Argentina were handed what appeared to be a fortunate penalty in the 40th minute, when Di María went down in the 18-yard box under a challenge from Danilo. The defender looked to have taken the ball, but Di María fell and there was a sense of justice when Messi’s soft penalty to the left corner was pushed out by the Brazil goalkeeper.
Oscar played a part in both goals, the Chelsea man delivering the corner for the second. His inswinging centre from the left was met by his former Stamford Bridge team-mate David Luiz, who glanced it across goal, and Tardelli found a foot of space from where he nodded in, beating the goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, who was able only to push the ball into the top-right corner.
Neymar had been troubling the Argentina defence all game, and had a chance to score a third goal, but could not get his lob quite right.
The Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano summed up the frustration in the World Cup finalists’ ranks, saying: “We made a good start in the first half, having several chances, and then, after a mistake, they found the opener. Sadly, in the second half, we could not cause any damage.”
His team-mate Zabaleta added: “We are in a changing process, with a new manager. It will take a while until we know each other better. I hate losing and more so against Brazil, but it is part of the learning.”
Brazil’s win was no less sweet for it coming far from home.
David Luiz said: “It could be played in Alaska, but the rivalry with Argentina is always the same. Our responsibility is the same, we need to win, always. We produced a great game, with intelligence, and managed to win. This is not a friendly game.”
Delighted by his two goals, his first for Brazil, Tardelli said: “It was a unique sensation. “It’s a great joy to score my first international goal, and against Argentina, our great rivals.
“I took advantage of the few chances I had. I think I did it well. I have to remain at the national squad, I want to be in the next World Cup and this is the way. I started on the right foot".
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