Brazil beat rivals Argentina in friendly

Diego Tardelli scored twice as Brazil beat Argentina to win the Superclasico de las Americas in Beijing.

Brazil, who included Barcelona’s Neymar in their side, took the lead on 28 minutes when Diego Tardelli volleyed in his first international goal.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi had a penalty saved, before Tardelli sealed victory with a second-half header.

This was Brazil’s third successive win as they look to rebuild following their7-1 World Cup humiliation by Germany.

Argentina's Lionel Messi saw a first-half penalty saved, his third miss from the spot in his last four attempts

Lionel Messi had a first-half penalty saved, his third miss from the spot in his past four attempts

Dunga, who replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as Brazil coach after the World Cup, took a squad to China which featured a blend of youth and experience.

Kaka, 32, and 30-year-old Robinho, who both failed to make Brazil’s World Cup squad, were among the substitutes in Beijing.

Neymar, whose World Cup came to a premature end after fracturing a bone in his spine, retained his place in the starting XI.

However, the 22-year-old Barcelona forward struggled to make an impression, notably scuffing a weak effort wide after being sent clear.

Instead it was Atletico Mineiro striker Tardelli who made the biggest impression, opening the scoring with a volleyed finish after Argentina failed to clear.

Messi, like Barcelona team-mate Neymar, failed to really impose himself throughout the contest, but should have levelled just before the break.

After Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria was fouled inside the area, Messi’s weak penalty was easily saved by Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson.

Tardelli made no such mistake, heading powerfully home on 64 minutes to seal victory for Brazil.

As the clock ticked down, Kaka was handed his first international appearance since March 2013, while former Manchester City forward Robinho also came off the bench.