Diego Tardelli grabbed both goals as Brazil beat bitter rivals Argentina 2-0 in a friendly match in Beijing on Saturday.
[RELATED: Argentina beat Germany]
The Superclasico de las Americas was won by the Selecao as Tardelli scored a goal in each half — notching his first goals for Brazil in the process — and Lionel Messi saw his penalty kick saved by Jefferson just before half time. In front of a packed hosted at the famous Bird’s Nest stadium, a feisty encounter played out in the 96th game between the historic rivals with Brazil’s win now tying the nations on 36 wins each.
Carlos Dunga prevailed over Gerardo Martino on this occasion, as two of the globe’s best teams put on an entertaining show in China.
Midway through the first half Argentina took the game by the scruff of the neck as first Angel Di Maria, then Sergio Aguero blasted shots just over the bar after inventive build-up play. Brazil then took the lead as Oscar clipped a teasing build towards the back post which Argentina only half cleared and Tardelli was on hand to volley home the opener to put the Selecao 1-0 up.
That goal sparked the game into life as Neymar went clean through but dinked an effort over the advancing Sergio Romero in goal for Argentina but his effort trickled off target and was cleared. Argentina pushed for an equalizer and they were handed a penalty kick just before half time after Danilo took down Di Maria 12-yards out, but Brazil’s right back appeared to have got the ball. Brazil’s players were incensed but moments later they were celebrating as Jefferson saved Messi’s spot kick to keep them 1-0 up at the break.
In the second half Argentina went for it but Di Maria squandered a great chance when put clean through as Brazil defended resolutely. A killer second goal then arrived in the 64th minute, as Tardelli grabbed his second of the game with a header from close range. Orlando City’s Kaka came on as a late sub on his return to the national team, as did Robinho. The victory marked Brazil’s third win in a row since their embarrassing exit from the World Cup on home soil this summer, as Dunga’s reign in charge continues to see a more resolute side who have yet to concede during his tenure.
The Superclasico de las Americas did not disappoint, as South America’s best clashed in China.
