Brazil fightback thwarts Argentina

Ten-man Brazil came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Argentina in a tense World Cup qualifying battle between the two South American superpowers.
A second half strike from Santos player Lucas Lima salvaged a vital point for Brazil yesterday after Argentina had taken the lead midway through the half thanks to an Ezequiel Lavezzi strike.
Lavezzi's Paris Saint-Germain team-mate David Luiz was sent off for a second yellow card in the dying minutes but Brazil hung on for the draw.
The result leaves Argentina winless after three games of South America's marathon qualifying campaign, with only two points from a possible nine.

Friday's match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires had been delayed by 24 hours after a deluge made the pitch unplayable on Thursday.
Argentina, missing a glut of injured stars including Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, started the stronger against a Brazil side who welcomed back suspended striker Neymar.

Neymar however was largely anonymous for long periods as Argentina got on top early on and opened up Brazil with ease on several occasions.
The only surprise was that it took Argentina more than half an hour to get on the scoresheet. The goal came after superb interplay between Argentina's powerful attacking front three.

Angel Di Maria darted inside on a jinking run near halfway before releasing Gonzalo Higuain down the right flank.
The Napoli striker looked up and picked out Lavezzi with a superb low cross for the France-based star to ram past Alisson Becker for 1-0 on 34 minutes.