With both sides selecting only players based in their domestic leagues, Brazil’s team looked stronger going into the game, with the likes of Leandro Damiao, Neymar and Ronaldinho all starting.
But the first good opportunity fell to Argentina. Juan Manuel Martinez went on a jinking run down the left hand side, and crossed for Mauro Boselli, but the striker, on loan at Estudiantes from Wigan Athletic, fired high over from 12 yards.
Boselli went close again for the home side shortly afterwards, before Brazil had their first big chance. Neymar did well on the right of the penalty area, and crossed for Damiao, who smacked the post from close range.
In the second half, Argentina’s Mouche headed straight at Brazil ‘keeper Jefferson, after which Damiao produced a sublime piece of skill, flicking the ball over an Argentina defender before lobbing against the post.
It was the closest either side would come to breaking the deadlock. Ronaldinho tested Orion in the Argentina net with a long range free-kick, but ultimately the game never really got going.
Both sides will hope to put in an improved display when they meet in the second leg in two weeks time. The next game takes place on September 28 in Belem, Brazil.
