Brazil 1-0 Argentina: Every player rated as Miranda gives the Selecao Superclasico glory

Brazil ended the international break with another win, beating bitter rivals Argentina 1-0 on Tuesday evening.

The Superclasico de las Americas took place in strange settings, in Saudi Arabia, as part of the nation’s Saudi Vision 2030 campaign.

It was a poor match overall between the two international super heavyweights which looked to be heading towards penalties before Miranda scored in injury time.

Here’s how the players rated.

Argentina

Sergio Romero – 5 – Despite Brazil having more possession, Romero did not have too much to do. Was saved by his defender when Miranda’s shot went past him in the first half. Produced a good save to deny Arthur’s stinging volley but perhaps could have done better in injury time, being beaten in the air by Miranda.

Renzo Saravia – 7 – Defended well against Neymar throughout, allowing the Brazilian to flaunt his tricks without seriously harming Argentina’s defence – much to the forward’s frustration. Did get booked for a foul on his opponent in the second half.

Nicolas Otamendi – 7 – The rock of the Argentinian defence. Produced a great block on the line to deny Miranda, with Romero beaten in the first half, before showing his youth with a acrobatic interception when Brazil looked like threatening.

German Pezzella – 6 – Overshadowed by Otamendi defensively, but did little wrong in helping to keep Brazil at bay. Produced a very good last-ditch tackle to prevent Neymar inside the Argentina area.

Nicolas Tagliafico – 6 – The more adventurous of Argentina’s two full-backs, Tagliafico was good in both defence and attack with a solid off-the-ball run and cross creating his side’s first chance.

Leandro Paredes – 6 – Strong in the tackle, as he needed to be to halt Brazil, sitting well in front of the Argentina defence throughout.

Rodrigo Battaglia – 5 – Defensively okay, did very little wrong but also very little to draw the eye.

Giovani Lo Celso – 6 – Had the first shot of the match, getting onto Tagliafico’s cross but it didn’t trouble Alisson. Got forward well afterwards with little end product, however.

Paulo Dybala – 5 – With Argentina playing so defensively, Dybala was unable to really get on the ball in attack but did help his side at the back.

Mauro Icardi – 5 – Like Dybala, Icardi was barely noticed in attack in the first half, having the fewest touches of any player. Did have the first chance of the second half, but his shot was deflected wide.

Angel Correa – 6 – Did the pushing of the attacking line and it almost came off in the first half as he pressured Alisson into rushing a pass with a slide tackle close to the goalkeeper’s net.

Substitutes:

Lautaro Martinez (for Dybala 58) – 6 – His introduction added life to the Argentina front line, helping his side take more control of the match.

Roberto Pereyra (for Correa 67) – 5 – Had little impact after coming on as the game started to get stretched.

Eduardo Salvio (for Lo Celso 73) – 5 – Like Pereyra did not have too much impact with both sides looking sloppy.

Marcos Acuna (for Tagliafico 82) – N/A – A late sub.

Giovanni Simeone (for Icardi 87) – N/A – A late sub.

Brazil

Alisson – 5 – Had very little to do in the first half but was fortunate not to be punished by Angel Correa’s slide tackle, dallying on the ball close to his goal-line.

Danilo – 6 – The slightly more dangerous of Brazil’s full-backs, Danilo tried to make himself a threat in set piece delivery. Had to be taken off shortly after half-time with an injury.

Marquinhos – 6 – Untroubled defensively with Argentina sitting back and allowing Brazil to attack them but did do well when called upon..

Miranda – 7 – Had Brazil’s best chance to score in the first half but his well-taken shot was blocked on the line. And scored the winner in injury time with a strong header from Neymar’s corner.

Filipe Luis – 6 – Did not have much responsibility going forward with Neymar playing ahead of him but was good cover.

Casemiro – 6 – Had a slow start to the game, watching the ball roll across him which resulted in a shot for Lo Celso followed by some poor passing. But his influence grew as it became clear Argentina would allow him space to get forward slightly more. Saw his free-kick late in the second half deflected just wide.

Arthur – 6 – The defensive of the midfield trio, sat back allowing Coutinho and Casemiro to get forward, and was relatively untested. Did have a good chance to score for Brazil, but his volley was saved well.

Philippe Coutinho – 5 – Had little impact pushing forward throughout with Neymar taking most of the ball on that side of the pitch.

Gabriel Jesus – 5 – Like Firmino, did not have a busy first half, though did test the Argentina defence at times with his runs.

Roberto Firmino – 5 – With Neymar controlling how Brazil played, dropping deeper, Firmino could not have the same impact he does for Liverpool in the first half.

Neymar – 5 – In the first half it was a case of all style and no substance from Neymar as the forward put on a skill show for the fans without adding anything really useful for his team-mates. Booked for persistent fouling as the frustration kicked in but did get the important assist with a well-taken corner.

Substitutes:

Fabinho (for Danilo 53) – 5 – Slotted in well defensively replacing the injured Danilo.

Richarlison (for Jesus 65) – 5 – Tried to bolster Brazil’s attack but struggled as much as the man he replaced did with Argentina looking resolute from open play.

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