Ultimately the goal was World Cup qualification but having come so close to lifting the title, Argentina’s defeat to Brazil in the final game of the Sudamericano was a bitter pill to swallow.

Results earlier in the day meant only a draw was required for La Albiceleste against a Brazilian side that hadn’t yet won a game in the final round and had managed only five goals in eight previous matches. Yet there was work still to be done and an improved display by the Seleção saw Lincoln’s first half penalty wreck Argentina’s title plans.

A somewhat harsh handball gifted Brazil the opportunity for the lead before the break and despite Lincoln’s bizarre, stuttered run up, the ball squeezed past the despairing Manuel Roffo.

Argentina pushed forward after the break but barring a Facundo Colidio header that glanced just wide of the post, the equaliser never really looked like coming.

In defeat Ecuador were crowned Sudamericano champions and Argentina had to settle for a place at the under-20 World Cup later in the year. Given Fernando Batista’s late appointment and the squad having little time together there are certainly positives to take and now the Albiceleste must prepare for Poland.