Neymar's Brazil takes Superclásico de las Américas (2-0)

It’s Brazil who were celebrating at the end of the Superclásico de las Américas after the side captained by Neymar beat Argentina 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium, Beijing. A brace of goals from Tardelli, one in each half, did the job for the ‘canarinha’, who were simply more decisive than their South American neighbours over the last few metres. Both Messi and Mascherano played the full match, while Neymar was replaced just before the final whistle.

Brazil advance

Argentina, managed by former FCB coach Gerardo Martino, controlled the ball early on, but despite winning several free-kicks around the area, Messi failed to find the target with any.

Somewhat against the run of play, Brazil took the lead after 25 minutes when a defensive mix-up between centre backs Demichelis and Fernández led to the ball landing at the feet of Tardelli, and he made every advantage of the gift.

Neymar and Leo Messi both started getting more involved as the half progressed, with the Brazilian producing a couple of spectacular runs that came to nothing, and the Argentinian failing to convert a controversially awarded penalty for a supposed foul on Agüero.

Neymar creates headaches

The second half was far more intense, with Neymar shining even more, including a wonderful assist that Filipe Luis was unable to finish off. He also forced yellow cards for both Mascherano and Fede Fernández and seemed to generate danger every time he got the ball. The World Cup finalists defended desperately and were finally beaten for the second time by Tardelli when he met the ball at the far post from a corner.

Leo Messi led Argentina’s charge to get back into the match. Jefferson saved a finely executed free kick and he also produced some great solo runs, but there was to be no further scoring. The bragging rights after this Far Eastern edition of the Superclásico de las Américas belong to Brazil.