International friendly: Argentina 2 Brazil 1

Brazil defeated fierce rivals Argentina on penalties to win the Superclasico de las Americas in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil went into the second leg with a 2-1 advantage thanks to Paulinho’s goal and a late penalty from Neymar in the first meeting between the teams.

Substitute and debutant Ignacio Scocco converted a penalty to put Argentina ahead on 82 minutes in the return fixture at Estadio Alberto Jacinto Armando.

Fred equalised for Brazil two minutes later, before Scocco netted again in the 90th minute to level the aggregate scores at 3-3.

The opening half failed to hit any great heights apart from chances to Neymar and Argentina’s Juan Martinez.

Neymar, who netted the equaliser and missed a penalty in the closing stages against Colombia last week, surged through the midfield but was ultimately halted.

Argentina also had an opportunity to break the deadlock, however Scocco headed his ball just wide of the post.

Both sides, missing a host of regular players, struggled to create clear-cut chances and the game appeared destined for a goalless draw up until the 82nd minute.

Scocco was in the thick of the action again, making his way into the penalty box before the referee pointed to the spot after he was brought down.

And Scocco made no mistake with the resulting penalty, sending the ball past Diego Cavalieri.

The home side’s lead lasted no more than two minutes as Fluminense attacker Fred levelled proceedings.

Fred’s goal meant Brazil were ahead on aggregate but with only seconds remaining in the match, Scocco popped up again to ensure the game would be decided on spot kicks.

Argentina missed their opening two attempts and it proved costly, as Mano Menezes’ men showed great composure to wrap up the match courtesy of Neymar’s winning penalty.