Lionel Messi had a penalty saved as Brazil continued their defensive rehabilitation under returning coach Dunga with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over old adversaries Argentina in a feisty friendly in Beijing, yesterday.

Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli scored once in each half, his first goals for Brazil, as former skipper Dunga made it three wins and as many clean sheets since returning to the role following the World Cup in July.

Dunga upset many fans with his negative tactics in his first spell in charge but his methods seem well timed for a proud nation still coming to terms with a 7-1 hammering at their home World Cup by eventual winners Germany that led to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s sacking.

More compact and organised, the five-times world champions soaked up wave after wave of pressure before launching swift counters at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in the Chinese capital where soaring pollution levels subsided an hour before kick off.

Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria had early sighters at goal for Argentina before they fell behind in the 28th minute against the run of play following a defensive lapse worthy of Scolari’s Brazil.

A right-wing cross from midfielder Oscar drew the attention of Federico Fernandez and Pablo Zabaleta, the two defenders diverting the ball to an unmarked Tardelli who fired home with goalkeeper Sergio Romero making a poor attempt at a save.

The Argentines were gifted an opportunity to draw level four minutes before half-time when they were awarded a soft penalty by Chinese official Fan Qi following a Danilo challenge on Di Maria.

The delay as the Chinese official attempted to quell the protests and book Danilo appeared to aid the Brazilians as Messi could only offer a soft, low penalty which Jefferson dived to his right to palm away.

Another defensive lapse allowed Brazil to make it 2-0 with a corner from the left finding its way to an unmarked Tardelli at the back post and the 29-year-old heading past Romero from close range in the 64th minute.