Brazil Edges Argentina to Win Superclaisco de las Americas

Brazil came out on top in the Superclasico de las Americas with a 4-3 win on penalties over Argentina in Buenos Aires despite falling to defeat on Wednesday night.

Argentina claimed a 2-1 victory in a second leg that had been originally scheduled in October but had been postponed following floodlight failure in the city of Resistencia. The two-legged affair, which began with a 2-1 win for Brazil in September, featured only domestic-based players, meaning that stars like Lionel Messi were absent.

The main attraction on either side was Brazilian star Neymar and the Santos forward was the man to score the decisive penalty.

The match in Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium had been goalless until the 82nd minute when Iganacio Scocco scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Juan Manuel Martinez.

But just two minutes later Brazil put themselves back in pole position as Fluminense striker Fred somewhat fortunately turned Jean’s effort into the back of the net from inside the six-yard box.

The late flurry of action had not yet ended, though, as Scocco scored his second goal of the game in the 90th minute. Walter Montillo found the Newell’s Old Boys man and he finished calmly to take the match to penalties.

It was to be just a temporary reprieve for the home side as Neymar struck the winning penalty to the relief of Brazil coach Mano Menezes.