Gerardo Martino’s Argentina are still without a first win of their World Cup qualifying campaign after Lucas Lima’s second half goal for Brazil cancelled out Ezequiel Lavezzi’s opener for a share of the points in Buenos Aires. Dunga will certainly be the happier manager after having Paris St Germain defender David Luís sent off late on but Argentina, after a promising opening 45 minutes, were unable to find a decisive second.
The pre-match talk had been dominated by the absence of Lionel Messi and a pair of coaches both feeling the pressure of underwhelming starts to qualification but La Albiceleste began the match with a renewed vigour and a sense of purpose that had been lacking from their opening two fixtures.
Dunga’s Brazil were always likely to try and defend and play on the counter but with Neymar and Willian anonymous it was Argentina that dominated the first half. Di María was a constant threat down the right from the opening minutes when he released Facundo Roncaglia to cross into the six-yard box and cause panic among the Brazil defence up until the breakthrough moment just after the half hour mark.
Éver Banega, who had shown flashes of creativity in the centre of midfield, won the ball back and fed Di María. The much-criticized former Manchester United midfielder thread a wonderful pass through to Gonzalo Higuaín and his low cross was tapped in by Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Brazil’s sole attempt on goal predictably came via the head of David Luíz as Argentina went off the pitch in complete control but guilty of not extending their lead.
The match could have been very different had Éver Banega doubled the lead a minute after the break but when his shot cannoned back off the post it signalled a change in the momentum of the match.
Neymar had experienced a frustrating evening but gradually saw more of the ball and when Dunga introduced Bayern Munich wide-man Douglas Costa, Brazil reaped an instant reward. Dani Alves clipped a cross to the back-post and Costa, completely unmarked, headed against the crossbar before Lucas Lima smashed the rebound past Sergio Romero.
Brazil were in the ascendency and Romero had to be alert to tip away a Neymar drive but as the game went on it was Martino and Argentina obviously more desperate for all three points.
David Luíz was foolishly red carded for two late yellow cards but even the introduction of Paolo Dybala and Érik Lamela for Argentina could not muster a winner.
The point and the improved first half performance may just prolong Gerardo Martino’s tenure but a daunting trip to the heat of Barranquilla awaits and a fourth match without victory could push the former Barcelona boss through the exit door.
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