Jorge Sampaoli’s Argentina reign began with a win as Gabriel Mercado’s goal secured a 1-0 friendly victory over great rivals Brazil at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
Contents
The defender reacted quickly after Nicolas Otamendi’s header came back off the upright and tapped home to make the difference shortly before the break.
Sampaoli fielded an attacking XI in his first game as Argentina boss, including Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria.
Brazil, meanwhile, were without star attacker Neymar, but Tite did name Premier League trio Gabriel Jesus, Willian and Philippe Coutinho in his line-up…
Mercado broke the deadlock with a calm finish from close range, reacting first to the rebound after Otamendi hit the upright following a cross from Di Maria.
DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE!
Video Player
00:00
05:41
