DStv Network Brazil beat Argentina in Classico 11 October 2014, 16:19 Lionel Messi had a penalty saved as Brazil continued their defensive rehabilitation under returning coach Dunga with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over old adversaries Argentina in a feisty friendly on Saturday. Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli scored once in each half, his first goals for Brazil, as former skipper Dunga made it three wins and as many clean sheets since returning to the role following the World Cup in July. Dunga upset many fans with his negative tactics in his first spell in charge but his methods seem well timed for a proud nation still coming to terms with a 7-1 hammering at their home World Cup by eventual winners Germany that led to Luiz Felipe Scolaris sacking. More compact and organised, the five-time world champions soaked up wave after wave of pressure before launching swift counters at the Birds Nest Stadium in the Chinese capital where soaring pollution levels subsided an hour before kick off. Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria had early sighters at goal for Argentina before they fell behind in the 28th minute against the run of play following a defensive lapse worthy of Scolaris Brazil. A right-wing cross from midfielder Oscar drew the attention of Federico Fernandez and Pablo Zabaleta, the two defenders diverting the ball to an unmarked Tardelli who fired home with goalkeeper Sergio Romero making a poor attempt at a save. This video is not available in your region Argentina continued to press but at the other end Neymar should have made it two after a mazy dribble through the heart of the defence took him clear only to offer a tame shot that went wide after he perhaps attempted one trick too many. The Argentines, runners-up at the World Cup, were gifted an opportunity to draw level four minutes before halftime when they were awarded a soft penalty by Chinese official Fan Qi. POURING FORWARD Brazils Danilo slipped and allowed Di Maria in behind him before a lunging tackle found man and ball, an incident that led the full backs teammates to surround and push into Fan in unsporting fashion to protest against his decision. The delay as the Chinese official attempted to quell the protests and book Danilo appeared to aid the Brazilians as four- times World Player of the Year Messi could only offer a soft, low penalty which Jefferson dived to his right to palm away. The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Argentina pouring forward and Neymar leading the Brazilian counter attacks while the traditional tasty challenges flowed in unfamiliar surroundings for the 96th meeting between the two great rivals. Brazilian Filipe Luis and Di Maria should have scored at the start of the second period when put through, the full back lacking composure after a neat Neymar pass and the Argentine taking too long to shoot as Miranda snuffed out the danger. Another defensive lapse allowed Brazil to make it 2-0 with a corner from the left finding its way to an unmarked Tardelli at the back post and the 29-year-old heading past Romero from close range in the 64th minute. Tardelli, given his debut by Dunga in his first reign, was replaced with eight minutes to go by Kaka, another returning favourite of the coach, who made his first international appearance in over 18 months. Kaka had little impact though as Messi continued to press for Argentina, firing a late free kick just wide with new manager Gerardo Martino tasting defeat for the first time. © Reuters Print mail Related Articles Injured Kagawa to miss Brazil friendly Beijing smog to hit Brazil-Argentina classic Blues sink Arsenal again, Barca march on Ronaldo has Messi record in his sights Court rejects Messi fraud case appeal Brazil News Brazil beat Argentina in Classico Beijing smog to hit Brazil-Argentina classic Brazils Samba Boys set for Singapore sand Kaka returns to Brazil national team Alves blames media for WCup debacle ...more articles Shop Gerrard: My Autobiography Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team. R161.00Rafa: My Story Revelatory memoir from the greatest sportsman in the world today. R182.00Mitre Monde Soccer Ball - White Voted as one of the UKs favourite match balls R219.00 Comments More expert analysis and opinion from Sport24 The opinions expressed by Sport24 experts and bloggers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily represent those of SuperSport Expert Opinion >> Sport24.co.za | Heyneke heeds media Tank Lanning reckons the media have played a role in the success of Heyneke Meyers Springboks. Sport24 Forums >> Telkom Knockout time! Replies: 0 It’s Telkom Knockout time! The first round kicks off this Friday, with matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday as well. The “big” teams... Sport24.co.za | Time for white cards in... - 2014-10-08 08:41 Sport24.co.za | Good call to stick with... - 2014-10-07 19:36 Chippa UFC – Owner Mr Siviwe... 2014-09-28 12:49 George Maluleke is the man to be... 2014-09-25 14:15 View all columnistsView all Sport24 forums Latest Video Highlights Orange Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifier: Congo v South Africa Sat, 11 Oct International Friendly: Brazil v Argentina Sat, 11 Oct Multichoice Diski Challenge: Orlando Pirates v Black Aces Sat, 11 Oct Orange Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifier: Malawi v Algeria Sat, 11 Oct ...more videos News Headlines Benzema outshines Ronaldo as France win Real get possible Asian clash at CWC Poland stun Germany with first win Loute relishing first goal for Pillars Obuh, Eduok are LBA winners for September
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:08:11 +0000