Lionel Messi of Argentina, right, prepares to kick the ball past Brazilian defender Gil during their friendly soccer international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, June 9, 2017. (Joe Castro/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Argentina gave new coach Jorge Sampaoli a winning debut on Friday, defeating Brazil 1-0 before 95,569 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a friendly.
Defender Gabriel Mercado's goal on the stroke of halftime helped end Brazil coach Tite's undefeated record since taking the job 12 months ago.
Top-ranked Brazil, playing Friday without captain Neymar, had won nine matches in a row, while No. 2 Argentina had lost three of its last five matches in a stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign.
Sampaoli opted for a 3-3-3-1 system, deploying Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain as the striker with Lionel Messi, who played all 90 minutes, in his regular Barcelona role on the right side of the attack.
The high-pressing style that had brought Sampaoli so much success with Chile's national team was evident from the outset, as Angel Di Maria flourished with extra space on the left side.
Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus was taken off the field on a stretcher in the second half as a precaution after taking a knock from Manchester City teammate Nicolas Otamendi.
Gabriel Mercado of Argentina celebrates after scoring a goal during their friendly international soccer match against Brazil at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, June 9, 2017.(Joe Castro/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press
Thiago Silva of Brazil, top, jumps above Gonzalo HiguaÃn of Argentina to head the ball during their friendly soccer international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, June 9, 2017. (Julian Smith/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press
Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina, right, kicks the ball past Gabriel Jesus of Brazil during their friendly soccer international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, June 9, 2017. (Joe Castro/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press
Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina, left, heads the ball as Brazil goalkeeper Weverton watches during their friendly soccer international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, June 9, 2017. (Joe Castro/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press