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(CNN)– Lionel Messi missed a penalty as Brazil defeated Argentina 2-0
in the Superclasico de Las Americas friendly fixture in Beijing
Saturday.
Goals either side of half-time from Diego Tardelli ensured Brazil
trumped its great South American rival for the first time since 2012.
A mix up in the Argentina defense enabled Atletico Miniero midfielder
Tardelli to carefully place a volley beyond Argentina keeper Sergio
Romero after 28 minutes.
Messi then had the chance to draw la Albiceleste level after Angel Di
Maria was brought down in the box just before half time. But the
Barcelona star's tame penalty was easily saved by Jeferson in the
Brazil goal.
An unmarked Tardelli put Brazil out of sight when he took advantage of
yet more poor Argentina defending to nod in an Oscar corner after 64
minutes.
While not a competitive fixture, the result marks Brazil's third
consecutive win since its disastrous exit at the hands of Germany at
the 2014 World Cup.
A Selecao has made wholesale changes to its football operation since
that 7-1 semi-final humiliation in July.
Former midfield star and manager at the 2010 World Cup in South
Africa, Dunga, has replaced Luis Felipe Scolari as coach while players
such as Kaka and Robinho have been recalled to the squad after missing
the World Cup.
Suarez makes international return
Luis Suarez returned to international football for the first time
since biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup in Brazil
earlier this year and set up Uruguay's only goal in a 1-1 friendly
draw against Saudi Arabia Friday.
The Barcelona striker was initially banned from all football activity
for four months and nine international matches.
But an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport saw the initial
punishment altered to nine competitive internationals and allowed the
27-year-old to train with his teammates and take part in friendlies.
Suarez's 47th minute strike rebounded off the post before being turned
in to his own goal by Saudi defender Hassan Muath Fallatah.
Substitute Naif Hazazi equalized for Saudi Arabia in the closing
minutes to deny Uruguay victory.
