‘Football wins’ as Brazil sweep Argentina aside

Brazil 3 Argentina 0

Goals in either half from Elano were followed by a late killer blow from Kaka as Brazil beat their South American rivals in convincing fashion.

“The Argentina team is a great team, with great players and great technique,” he said. “But football won today. When Argentina wanted to play they were able to put us in difficulty but when they tried to hit us we beat them easily.”

A disappointing afternoon from both of West Ham’s new signings was a key factor in Brazil’s victory.

While Mascherano was ineffective before being withdrawn at half-time, Tevez was frustrated by close marking that stuck with him all afternoon.

Dunga revealed he had asked his defence to pay special attention to both Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme.

“The marking was very close. We knew we couldn’t give them any bad fouls so what we asked them to do was to close down the space,” he said.

The two 22-year-olds were backed by Argentina coach Alfio Basile, who believes they can prosper in England.

“They are great players and they will get to know the Premier League very well,” he said. “It’s one of the best leagues in the world and players who play in the best leagues grow.”

Dunga seems to have settled more quickly into life with Brazil — this was his second game in charge — but deflected the praise on to his team for such a solid showing.

“The quality of Kaka cannot be argued with, he is a great champion,” he said. “But it is very important in a team that everybody performs so he can go on the runs. His goals are always beautiful.”

BRAZIL: Gomes, Cicinho (Maicon 66), Lucio, Juan, Edmilson (Cearense 69), Gilberto, Elano (Julio Baptista 73), Silva, Fred (Vagner Love 80), Robinho (Rafael Sobis 89), Daniel Carvalho (Kaka 59).

ARGENTINA: Abbondanzieri, Coloccini, Rodriguez (Samuel 46), Zabaleta, Mascherano (Somoza 46), Riquelme, Bilos (Insua 72), Tevez (Aguero 66), Milito, Gonzalez, Messi.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).