Argentina, Brazil play out goalless draw

Argentina and Brazil, both missing their Europe-based stars, played out a lacklustre goalless draw in the first leg of the Superclasico de las Americas here on Wednesday night.

The South American heavyweights are both looking to put disappointing performances in the Copa America behind them.

But Brazil's three-pronged strike force of Ronaldinho, Neymar and Damiao failed to live up to expectations, while hosts Argentina could not break through on front of 50,000 spectators despite weaknesses in their rivals' defense.

To added to his woes Alejandro Sabella's Argentina were also hit by injuries to two of their best strikers on the night with Mauro Boselli (24) and Juan Manuel Martinez (58) both going off with adductor problems.

Martinez had set up the first shot at goal after six minutes racing down the left side of the pitch to pass to Boselli who hit over the bar.

Four minutes later it was Ronaldinho's turn as he fed winger Kleber who also failed to finish. Ronaldinho tried several times to outwit goalie Agustin Orion but his long-range efforts were off target.

Damiao picked up a Neymar cross after 12 minutes but the Internacional de Porto Alegre player's shot bounced off the post. Another close call from Damiao after 77 minutes also hit the post to the disappointment of the home crowd.

"There are details to sort out in defense and attack," said Sabella.

"We lost two strikers which influenced our game. Boselli had several chances and Martinez often had the upper hand against the defenders."

Ronaldinho lamented: "We never played as a group, it's a new team, but it was interesting, Argentina are always a great rival."

The return leg takes place on September 28 at Belem in Brazil.