Brazil's Gilberto Silva and Argentina's Lionel Messi couldn't break the 0-0 deadlock

Argentina played the more flowing football and will be happier with the result than the hosts, despite forward Lionel Messi missing a great chance to steal a stoppage- time victory.
 
The visitors ended a run of defeats by their arch-rivals, having lost the previous three meetings by three-goal margins, and moved to second in the South American group with 11 points, two behind leaders Paraguay.

Brazil, who were beaten 2-0 by Paraguay on Sunday, are fourth on nine points after completing their third game without scoring and narrowly avoiding a first-ever home defeat in a World Cup qualifier.

The crowd at the Mineirao lost patience with Dunga, Brazil coach, in the second half, chanting "Goodbye Dunga", among other things, and "Donkey, donkey" when he replaced striker Adriano with Luis Fabiano.

Dunga, who had no previous coaching experience, was appointed after the 2006 World Cup.

Julio Cruz and Sergio Aguero missed good chances for Argentina as Brazil's disorganised midfield struggled for any sort of continuity.

Jonas Gutierrez, one of four changes made by Argentina coach Alfio Basile to the starting line-up from Sunday's 1-1 draw with Ecuador, set up the first chance for Julio Cruz, whose header was saved by Julio Cesar.

Missed chances

Brazil created their best chance when Robinho broke down the right and the ball fell to Julio Baptista but his shot was turned away brilliantly by Roberto Abbondanzieri.

One minute later, Abbondanzieri rushed out of his penalty area and was rounded by Robinho but the Argentina defence got back in time to smother the danger.

However Brazil lost their rhythm after midfielder Anderson twisted his knee and was replaced by Diego.

Messi nearly snatched victory in stoppage-time when he unleashed a shot which was well saved by Julio Cesar, with the Barcelona forward firing wide from the rebound.

Recommend this article...

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: