Argentina beat Brazil in Sampaoli's debut match

Jorge Sampaoli began his career as Argentina's men's national football team coach with a 1-0 friendly win over Brazil.

Goal: Mercado 45'

Defender Gabriel Mercado got his coach off to a great start when he scored the only goal from a corner kick at the end of the first half. After another defender, Nicolas Otamendi, headed the ball off the post and out of the Brazilian goal, Mercado rushed in and fired into the empty net.

Defender Mercado scored the only goal in the friendly match that took place on the afternoon of June 9 on neutral ground in Australia. Photo: Reuters

The victory in his first match in charge was the result of the attacking style that coach Sampaoli built for Argentina. To put pressure on Brazil's half, the former Chile and Sevilla tactician started with the quartet of Messi, Di Maria, Dybala and Higuain.

Meanwhile, Brazil is missing its most famous star - Neymar. To make up for the lack of "number 10", coach Tite used the trio that has just played successfully in the Premier League including Coutinho, Willian and Gabriel Jesus.

Thanks to the advantage they created in the first half, Argentina had many opportunities to score first. In the 6th minute, from a pass from Dybala, Di Maria fired a shot that hit the post of the Brazilian goal. The midfielder of Paris St Germain also had another stormy situation when he volleyed the ball into the chest of goalkeeper Weverton.

After repeatedly threatening Brazil's penalty area, Argentina finally got lucky. From the Brazilian defense's offside trap, Otamendi headed the ball into the post and Mercado scored the only goal.

Messi was not too outstanding in the friendly match with his South American rival.

Brazil started attacking sharply from midway through the first half but could not overcome Argentina's solid defense. Coutinho had a messy move in the penalty area, leading to Otamendi clearing it.

Brazil played better after the break but could not do much more. Early in the second half, goalkeeper Sergio Romero brilliantly used one hand to block a shot from Gabriel Jesus. In the 60th minute, the Man City striker even dribbled past Romero but hit the post.

The misses cost Brazil their first defeat under coach Tite. The 56-year-old replaced Carlos Dunga in September 2016 and had won all nine matches before losing to Argentina.

On June 13, Brazil will have a friendly match with host Australia. Meanwhile, Argentina will have a friendly match with Singapore. This is a step to prepare for the next round of matches in the World Cup qualifiers next August.

Coach Sampaoli (right) had a successful debut.

According to VNE