Argentina 0-0 Brazil: 5 hits and flops as arch-rivals play out a tense but entertaining draw | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Honors were shared between Argentina and Brazil
Honors were shared between Argentina and Brazil

Hit: Fred (Brazil)

Fred made eight tackles and one interception in the match!
Fred made eight tackles and one interception in the match!

Fabinho was superbly complemented in the middle by Fred, who worked effectively with his counterpart in acting as a defensive screen for the back-four.

Sure, his lapse in concentration can be frustrating, but he put in a solid shift too, working his socks off in the game and making several good runs on the ball.

He, along with Fabinho, were crucial to limiting the one-two passes which Messi normally loves to play with Angel di Maria, whilst also testing Argentina with long-range efforts. One of them even rattled the crossbar.


Flop: Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

He could've easily won the game for Brazil
He could've easily won the game for Brazil

Vinicius Junior was rewarded with a starting spot against Argentina for his promising cameo against Colombia. But the in-form Real Madrid winger frustrated Tite with his wastefulness.

The in-form winger made a mess of two excellent chances, arguably the best of both halves, which could've easily won the game for Selecao.

In the 17th minute, Paqueta played him through on goal, and with only Martinez to beat, Vinicius chipped his effort narrowly wide off target.

Then midway through the second half, Danilo squared an excellent pass to him, but Vinicius took one touch too many before firing a shot that the Argentine custodian saved easily.

Given the form he's produced on the club front this season, you'd expect him to put those chances away.


Hit: Nahuel Molina (Argentina)

Another excellent game for the right-back
Another excellent game for the right-back

Yes, he was 'rainbowed' by Vinicius in what was the most eye-catching moment of the game, but if you take that out of the picture, Molina was rather impressive for Argentina today.

He made four interceptions and completed six tackles, whilst also winning six ground duels. The 23-year-old was rock solid in defense for the Copa America champions.

Adventerous, full of energy and exuding an infectious flair, Molina was particularly great in the second period, when Selecao pushed bodies forward in search of a late winner.

The youngster has played every minute of Argentina's qualifiers since the Copa America and has impressed consistently - which is exactly why a few big guns in Serie A are interested in signing him.

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