JORGE SAMPAOLI’S ARGENTINA reign began with a win as Gabriel Mercado’s goal secured a 1-0 friendly victory over great rivals Brazil at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
The defender reacted quickly after Nicolas Otamendi’s header came back off the upright and tapped home to make the difference shortly before the break.
Sampaoli fielded an attacking XI in his first game as Argentina boss, including Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria.
Brazil, meanwhile, were without star attacker Neymar, but Tite did name Premier League trio Gabriel Jesus, Willian and Philippe Coutinho in his line-up.
The Selecao were left to rue an astonishing miss in the second half, though, as Jesus struck the post with the goal gaping as Tite tasted his first defeat since replacing Dunga at the helm, bringing an end to a run of nine consecutive victories.
Brazil take on Australia on 13 June in another friendly, while Argentina meet Singapore before they attempt to revive their stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign against Uruguay in August.
Sampaoli’s side made an encouraging start and came close to opening the scoring after just six minutes, Di Maria blasting a powerful shot against the left upright from a narrow angle after being set up by Dybala.
Brazil first threatened midway through the half when Willian escaped the attentions of his marker down the left and unselfishly squared for the unmarked Coutinho, only for the Liverpool man to take too much time and allow Otamendi to make a last-ditch block.
Di Maria then nearly surprised Weverton with an ambitious volley from the corner of the box after Gil failed to adequately clear a cross from the left, the goalkeeper only just managing to keep the winger’s attempt out with his chest.
But there was no denying Argentina in the 45th minute as Mercado broke the deadlock with a calm finish from close range, reacting first to the rebound after Otamendi hit the upright following a cross from Di Maria.
Brazil went in search of the equaliser after the break and Jesus was first to try his luck when he forced goalkeeper Sergio Romero into a one-handed save with a curled shot toward the top corner from 15 yards out.
Jesus refused to give up, though, and the Manchester City man should have levelled the scoring at the hour mark. He rounded Romero after a brilliant throughball from Fernandinho, only to then hit the post, with Willian rattling the other upright from the rebound.
And those misses would prove to be costly for Tite’s men as the Argentina defence held firm in the remainder of the game to get Sampaoli off to a triumphant start.
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Hooper is somewhat of an anomaly in that he’s a world class 7 that’s basically never been injured for any notable length of time. Not even 29 and nearly a test centurion. Remarkable when you consider how brutal the game is physically these days.
Hopefully, someone will pick up the broadcast rights over here. The quality in the Top League has been “mixed” in recent years with some big name players on the downswing of their careers chasing a last big payday but there seems to be a real uptick in the quality of players & coaches heading there for next season, so it could make for interesting viewing.
@Del McG: yuuuuuuuppppaaaaa
Why, what is the point of playing in Japan. Its understandable in your mid 30s at the end of your career but in his prime why wouldn’t he move to England or France. Probably get the same money and will play a very competitive level of rugby, rather than just collect a pay check and play in a mickey mouse league
@s mc: you answered your own question there chief
@s mc: Big bucks, not as far from home, can basically stay match fit for a return to Super Rugby and the Wallabies when this passes. Will likely get a big contract in France for a couple of years when he calls it quits on his Wallaby career if he still wants to play at a high level.
@s mc: Even though he has had a break, in Japan he can earn the same money as he would in England and France, and its a lot easier on his body. Who wouldn’t take the easier money?
@Kingshu: I would rather look back on career and have won another meaningful tournament than protecting myself.
@s mc: It may beca longer career to look back on, by taking the Japan option
@s mc: Lad, it’s not that hard. He’s not retiring. He’ll be closer to 29 than 30 when this finishes. Consider it a gap year type arrangement. Still opportunities to win trophies but he’s filling the rugby career dead space with a bit of pick up ball that he gets paid really well for. He’ll do the 6 months, pocket a pay check and slot back in as a world class operator with 4-5 years at the top left in him when it’s done. It’s the smart decision for a guy who’s been playing elite back row rugby for 11 years already.
@s mc: yes