Neymar was largely anonymous for long periods as Argentina got on top early on and opened up Brazil with ease on several occasions
Brazil's Neymar, center, dribbles past Argentina's Lucas Biglia, left, and Facundo Roncaglia during a 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo: AP)
Buenos Aires: Ten-man Brazil came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against archrivals Argentina on Friday in a tense World Cup qualifying battle between the two South American superpowers.
A second half strike from Santos player Lucas Lima salvaged a vital point for Brazil after Argentina had taken the lead midway through the half thanks to an Ezequiel Lavezzi strike.
Lavezzi’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mate David Luiz was sent off for a second yellow card in the dying minutes but Brazil hung on for the draw. The result leaves Argentina winless after three games of South America’s marathon qualifying campaign, with only two points from a possible nine.
Friday’s match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires had been delayed by 24 hours after a deluge made the pitch unplayable on Thursday. Argentina, missing a glut of injured stars including Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, started the stronger against a Brazil side who welcomed back suspended striker Neymar. Neymar however was largely anonymous for long periods as Argentina got on top early on and opened up Brazil with ease on several occasions.
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( Source : AFP )
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