Lucas, Neymar strike as Brazil blank Argentina

The 19-year-old Sao Paulo forward Lucas, one of the leading lights in the South American under-20 title earlier this year, capped off an exhilarating run from Brazil's own half with a well-placed shot nine minutes after the break. Neymar added the second for the hosts in the 76th minute from close range after a low cross from the left from substitute Diego Souza to thrill home fans in the Amazonian city.

While Argentina had virtually no senior players on the field, Brazil were boosted by former FIFA player of the year Ronaldinho and 19-year-old Neymar, who has become a first-choice player in the national team despite his youth.

Brazil missed out on an early goal when Neymar just failed to connect with a cross in front of the goal line. Captain Ronaldinho also had a chance go begging from a free-kick that sailed just over the bar.

Ronaldinho, who has been in fine form for Brazilian championship contenders Flamengo, was recalled to the national side earlier this month for the 1-0 friendly win over Ghana in London, his first start in nearly a year. The former Barcelona forward, a World Cup winner in 2002, is now seen by Brazil coach Mano Menezes as a mentor for the new generation of players being groomed in the leadup to the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

The match in Belem was the second leg of a friendly tournament held annually with only home-based players.