体坛英语新闻：Tardelli gifts Brazil 2-0 win over Argentina, Messi misses penalty

BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Brazil downed feud Argentina 2-0 by forward Diego Tardelli's brace at an international friendly called the "Super Clasico" at the Bird's Nest here on Saturday.

Messi missed a penalty created by Angel Di Maria in the 40th minute, suqandering the best chance to tie the socre.

Tardelli opened the scoring in the 28th minute with an accurate low drive from Oscar's right wing cross. Argentine defenders' heading clearance was not clear and the ball flew directly to the foot of Tardelli.

The in-form Brazilian striker made the second goal on 64 minutes with a sharp header at the far post from a corner by Oscar.

The win saved Brazil's reputation after their humiliating 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat by the Mannshaft. Argentina beat the Netherlands to reach the World Cup final held in Maracana, which added further salt to their old foe's wounds and tens of thousands of the Argentine fans rushed to Rio De Janeiro to cheer for their "Albiceleste", which also tested the Brazilians' tolerance during that time.

As Argentina beat Germany 4-2 recently in another international friendly, Dunga's side may find much more consolation tonight.

Before the match, many fans worried that the heavy haze in Beijing may affect the game and the players, but a timely strong wind quickly blew those smog away and made it not a problem anymore.

Neymar nearly doubled the advantage on 33 minutes when he made a shining solo run. The Brazilian playmaker exchange a neat one two with Tardelli in a counter-attack, before beating the central back and the ongoing goal keeper Sergio Romero, but his diagonal shot just went wide of the far post.

Argentine ace Messi could have levelled the score in the first half, but his drive was denied by keeper Jefferson with a nice diving save.

Both team started with 4-2-3-1 formation and Dunga and Gerardo Martino fielded most of their star players with little to spare.

The Albiceleste took the upper hand with respect to possession and control, but the Brazilians' counter-attack tactics proved to be more effective.

Sergio Aguero was apparently not in his best form. He wasted several good opportunities in the first half. After the interval, Messi and his teammates tried to rally with more fierce attacks and moved up their defence line, but Jefferson made several excellent saves to hold the scoreboard.

Neymar missed an one-on-one chance with his lob shot went high of the crossbar in injury time. Long absent players Kaka and Robinho was sent on in the last phase of the match by Dunga, only to find they had too little time to do something in attack.