Argentina vs. Brazil: Score, Grades and Reaction from International Friendly

Brazil got the better of bitter rivals Argentina 2-0 in their prestigious friendly in Beijing on Saturday.

Diego Tardelli scored both goals as Dunga's Brazil went some way to shaking off the disappointment of their World Cup demise.

The game in Beijing was in some doubt in the hours and days before kick-off due to high levels of smog, which Dunga described as "bad for both," but it did not appear to inhibit Argentina early on.

Ng Han Guan/Associated Press

Argentina made an incisive start, with the in-form Angel Di Maria striding forward from deep and shooting over the bar.

Brazil are still likely to be carrying the mental scars of their World Cup semi-final mauling at the hands of Germany. They looked a little nervous early on and arguably should have fallen behind on seven minutes.

Miranda, who was not part of the World Cup squad, dived in on Sergio Aguero in the box. The Manchester City man was too quick and nicked the ball away from Miranda, whose challenge sent Aguero tumbling to the floor.

But to the consternation of the Argentina players, the referee waved away their appeals for a penalty.

Aguero was handed a shooting chance on nine minutes thanks to an excellent run down the right from Pablo Zabaleta, but he was unable to keep his effort down.

Argentina looked a step sharper than Brazil, and the impressive Di Maria exchanged passes with Erik Lamela before smashing a shot a foot over the bar from 25 yards.

But for all the quality that Argentina produced in the opening 25 minutes, Tardelli gave Brazil the lead. 

A cross into the box looked comfortable for Argentina, but Zabaleta and Federico Fernandez both went for the same ball. They were unable to get any distance on the clearance, which allowed Tardelli to volley home from 10 yards.

"

Diego Tardelli (Atlético Mineiro) scored 1-0 for Brazil against Argentina RT @FutboolFichajes: http://t.co/JViPX3utys

— Paulo Freitas (@Cynegeticus) October 11, 2014"

Brazil captain Neymar was anonymous for the opening half an hour but should have doubled his side's lead on 32 minutes.

Collecting the ball on the halfway line, Neymar went through the gears and slalomed his way past Argentina defenders. Faced with only Sergio Romero to beat, Neymar attempted to out-think the keeper with a drop of the shoulder.

Romero did not buy it, and Neymar, with the angle against him, attempted a shot that drifted wide.

"

Brilliant run from Neymar, shame about the finish

— Robbie Blakeley (@rio_robbie) October 11, 2014"

Argentina were denied what looked a certain penalty in the opening 10 minutes. Five minutes before the break, they were awarded a spot-kick that should not have been given.

Danilo timed his sliding tackle to perfection on Di Maria, but the local referee deemed it was a foul and pointed to the spot.

Brazil's protests overstepped the mark, with a number of players jostling the referee, although their frustration—but certainly not their reaction to it—was understandable.

"

Blimey, have never seen a referee so hounded. Took him 30 seconds to give the player a yellow because Brazil wouldn't let him!

— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) October 11, 2014"

When the temperature had cooled, Brazil keeper Jefferson plunged to his right to repel Lionel Messi's penalty—the third spot-kick he has missed from his last four attempts.

Filipe Luis has found himself on the fringe of things since his move to Chelsea. He remains a key figure for his country and had a chance to double the lead on 49 minutes. Bursting onto a pass from Neymar, Luis went for power rather than placement and smashed the effort over the bar.

Brazil may have been off the pace at the start of the first half, but they were extremely sharp at the beginning of the second.

The Argentina defence were stretched to the limit, with a number of cynical tackles being deployed to halt Brazil, while Romero had to be alert to keep out a couple of attempts.

Ng Han Guan/Associated Press

The Brazil pressure paid off on 64 minutes, with Tardelli doubling his personal tally. Misfiring forwards hampered Brazil at the World Cup, but they look to have a predator on their hands in Tardelli, who was on hand to nod home a loose ball from all of four yards out.

It may have been a friendly, so not too much should be read into the result. But games between these two nations are rarely friendly.

Both sides are building up to the Copa America. Argentina were extremely bright early on and could have been two or three goals to the good before Brazil scored, so coach Gerardo Martino will look to take the positives from the game.

For Brazil, the mauling by Germany may have highlighted some defensive issues, but they looked weak up front with Fred in attack. Judging Tardelli on one game would not be wise, but he took the two chances that fell his way in the shape of a true goalscorer. There is plenty for Dunga to build on.

Grades

Diego Tardelli: A

Have Brazil finally found a No. 9? Tardelli will have to prove he can do it on a consistent basis, but judged on this display, he looks a striker of international quality.

Neymar: B-

The Barcelona man was on the periphery early on, but as Brazil took control, his influence increased.

Ng Han Guan/Associated Press

Lionel Messi: C-

An off day for Messi. He was given some rough treatment from the Brazil defenders and had no real answers. He had a chance to score, but his weak penalty was saved.

Angel Di Maria: C+

The Manchester United man looked a class apart in the first half, but he was unable to unlock the door and drifted out of the game.