Brazil vs. Argentina: 3 Lessons the Sambas Learned From The Friendly

Brazil and Argentina played out a goalless draw Wednesday night in Cordoba, Argentina. And while that scoreline between two sides renowned for their attacking exploits might have raised eyebrows at another time, there were several factors which contributed to the result.

Both teams left their superstars in Europe, since the friendly was scheduled on a date not on the European calendar. Only home-grown players were used.

That resulted in both teams trying out formations and testing players who are on the fringe of their squads.

But that's not to say the match was boring. Any time Brazil and Argentina meet, there's always something to talk about.

Wednesday night was no different. Neymar, the guy pretty much everyone in the world expects to be the next Brazilian superstar, played and produced his share of thrills.

And Ronaldinho, one of the guys Neymar hopes to follow, got a run-out for the team he formerly inspired to brilliance.

In between, there were a bunch of less recognizable names trying to show they have what it takes to play for the two most successful soccer nations in South American history.

With that in mind, here are three things Brazil learned from the friendly.

1. Ronaldinho Isn't Quite Done—Yet

It sometimes seems like decades since Ronaldinho ruled the soccer world.

Still only 31 years old, Ronaldinho earned the title of FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005. But since then, it's been a mixed bag.

He starred in Brazil's 2006 World Cup campaign, but was left out of the 2010 squad. Finally, at the beginning of 2011 he moved back to Brazil for club ball after never quite hitting the same heights with AC Milan he'd once enjoyed with Barcelona.

That's what gave him a chance Wednesday. And after getting that chance, the verdict is:

Well, it's mixed.

Ronnie took a very poor free kick in the 14th minute, getting the ball through the entire defense, but missing the target with a weak shot. It was a pale imitation of his former brilliance.

At other times, his passing was average or worse, and he often got manhandled by Argentina's defenders.

But then he came to life, just like the game as a whole, over the last 15 minutes.

His free kick with about 10 minutes left forced a superb save, and for a moment, it looked like the old Ronnie was back.

It's too soon to say that he is. But based on Wednesday's admittedly mixed performance, it's also too soon to say he's done.

2. The Defense Missed Its Regulars

Brazil didn't concede a goal, but they certainly came close.

That was especially true in the opening 15 minutes, when Argentina dominated possession and looked ready to go ahead.

Mauro Boselli was especially wasteful, missing multiple times before going off with an injury. Perhaps another striker would have punished Brazil, but we'll never know.

But we do know that Brazil will welcome its defensive regulars, especially guys like Dani Alves and Thiago Silva, back to the squad next time it plays.

3. Neymar Needs to Be Given More Time

Everybody expects Neymar to be the man.

Everybody expects him to take over matches and dazzle with his outrageous skill.

But everybody needs to remember he's still just 19.

At times, though, Neymar showed flashes of what he's capable of.

Early in the match, he created space down the right flank with speed and showed strength to not fall down under a challenge.

A few minutes later he dazzled by pulling down a long pass, turning on a dime, burning a couple of defenders and crossing to Damiao for what should have been the opening goal.

But Neymar did struggle to impose himself on the game consistently. And that's a sign that he's not quite ready to make the leap. World-class players put their stamp on every aspect of a game, and while Neymar can be brilliant at times, sustaining it is another issue.

If or when he can do that, we'll be talking about how much the next Brazilian superstar can do.