Miranda strikes late to give Brazil Superclasico Cup over Argentina

An injury-time header from Miranda was enough to give Brazil the Superclasico Cup, though an under-strength Argentina will be relatively pleased with how they played prior to that moment.

In the first half, Brazil were the better side, but lacked a cutting edge; Argentina were solid at the back and a threat on the break. It was Brazil, though, who created the best chance, Miranda taking a lovely touch to control Casemiro’s fine pass, only for Nicolas Otamendi to clear his drive off the line brilliantly, with Alisson Becker beaten.

After the break, Brazil still struggled for cohesion, but Argentina, though they were more adventurous, did not have the class to capitalise. As the game drew to a close, penalties looked a certainty, but Neymar never stopped prompting and cajoling, first winning a corner then, with the help of some extremely ropey marking, planting it on Miranda’s head. His delight showed that there is no such thing as a friendly when these teams meet, but both have work to do before the competitive stuff starts next summer.

How should Brazil set up? At the World Cup, their midfield was too stodgy - there was no need for all of Casemiro, Renato Augusto and Paulinho. But against Argentina, they had Coutinho in midfield, which opened up an attacking space, but at the cost of control. And on top of that, Gabriel Jesus is no right-winger. Tite needs to come up with something different.

Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina) Strong in the tackle, good on the ball and perpetual motion, he was the game's most influential player until he went off.

Brazil: Alisson 6, Danilo 6, Marquinhos 6, Miranda 7, Filipe Luis 6, Casemiro 6, Arthur 5, Coutinho 5, Jesus 5, Firmino 5, Neymar 7. Subs: Fabinho 6, Richarlison 6.

Argentina: Sergio Romero 6, Saravia 7, Otamendi 7, Pezzella 6, Tagliafico 6, paredes 6, Battaglio 6, Lo Celso 8, Dybala 5, Icardi 5, Correa 5. Subs: Martinez 6, Simeone 5, Salvio 6, Acuna 6.

8’ - Nice from Argentina, a long diag from Pezzella hitting Tagliafico, who volleys back inside, first time; Casemiro can't close it down, and Lo Celso drives a left-footer just wide.

28’ - But the ball comes straight back into the box! A lovely ball from Casemiro, lifted from left to right, and Miranda's touch is a beauty! He's certain he's going to score and leathers a shot past Romero ... only for Otamendi to head off the line! That is brilliant defending.

30’ - Argentina win a free-kick on right, and Dybala is behind it ... he curls hard for the near post, but it's a fraction wide. Good effort, but.

70’ - Have a look! There's a space at the near post, but Neymar prods to Arthur on the edge of the box, and Artur skips into a volley that Romero punches away.

84’ - AND NEYMAR DOESN'T TAKE IT! Instead, Casemiro drives low, it takes a deflection off someone, and flies this much past the right-hand post.

90+3’ - GOAL! BRAZIL WIN THE SUPERCLASSICO TROPHY! Brazil 1-0 Argentina (Miranda) Neymar clips the corner hard to the near post, Simeone doesn't get off the ground defending it, and Miranda is up in front of Marquinhos and in front of the keeper, thunking home what will surely be the winner! And doesn't he lap it up!