Argentina vs. Brazil: (1-0 Messi 92’) Player Ratings
Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game in injury time, as Argentina beat Brazil for the first time in five years in Doha. Here are Bettor.com’s player ratings from Brazil vs. Argentina
Argentina
Sergio Romero 7.5
The Argentine goal-keeper was flawless against Brazil, saving everything that was thrown at him and frustrating Robinho on more than one occasion in the match.
Gabriel Ivan Heinze 7
The veteran left-back was not quick enough to keep up with the Brazilian wingers and saw them fly past him several times. Nonetheless, he was very clinical in attack for Argentina.
Javier Adelmar Zanetti 7.5
It was a classic performance from the Inter Milan captain, who was more than up to the challenge of marking Ronaldinho after a few early wobbles.
Nicolas Andres Burdisso 7
Burdisso was exceptional against his fierce rivals. He managed to keep Santos and Dani Alves quiet for long periods in the match.
Nicolas Pareja 7
Pareja had a disastrous first half where he was caught out time and again in marking and covering the lightning quick Brazilian forwards. But he improved in the second half and looked in control during the rest of the game.
Angel Fabian Di Maria 6.5
The impressive Real Madrid winger was not in his best form and failed to create anything extraordinary in the match. Moreover, the young Argentinean winger was also wasteful in possession on a number of occasions.
Javier Mascherano 7
The Barcelona midfielder was exceptional in anchoring his team in defence as well as attack. It was a rock-solid performance from the defensive midfielder.
Ever Banega 7
Banega will be pleased with his contribution in the middle of the pitch, although he would be a little disappointed that he could not push forward more.
Javier Pastore 7.5
He pushed hard against the Brazilian defensive wall and tried to link up with Angel Di Maria, but often found his flicks and touches falling a little short.
Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain 7
He was lost behind the opposition backline and failed to make any real impression.
Lionel Messi 8.5
No doubt he was the best player of the match. The Barcelona winger weaved his way through four yellow shirts before he pulled the trigger to score the game’s only goal.
Brazil
Victor 7.5
Victor was unfortunate to concede a late goal from Messi, but did extremely well to keep opposition at bay for most of the time.
Andre Santos 7
Andre Santos started brightly, but as the game wore on, the veteran left-back started to fade. He did however torment the opposition with his surging runs down the left flank.
Daniel Alves 8
Without a doubt, the Barcelona left back was Brazil’s best player on the night. He played extremely well and deserved a goal for his persistent runs from right side. He came close to scoring, but his blazing shot hit the post.
David Luiz 7
The Benfica defender almost scored from a corner in the first half and gave a solid performance in defence.
Thiago Silva 7
The Milan centre half did extremely well at the back and formed a formidable partnership with fellow centre-back David Luiz. Unfortunately, that wall could not ensure a clean sheet for Brazil.
Lucas 6.5
The Liverpool midfielder did well in midfield and was instrumental in breaking up attacks and distributing the ball.
Ramires 8
Chelsea’s attacking midfielder was another stand-out performer for Brazil. Despite his impressive performance on the pitch, he was substituted in 80th minute.
Neymar 7.5
He showed glimpses of his immense talent and threatened the Argentinean defence on more than one occasion, but had nothing to show for his efforts at the end of the day.
Ronaldinho 7
Ronaldinho justified his return to the Brazilian team with an accomplished, if not spectacular performance in attacking midfield. He was however unable to make an impact on the scorline.
Robinho 5
The new Milan left winger was not in his best form and was not struggled in the final third of the pitch.
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