Lionel Messi had a penalty saved as Brazil continued their defensive rehabilitation under returning coach Dunga with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over old adversaries Argentina in a feisty friendly on Saturday.

Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli scored once in each half, his first goals for Brazil, as former skipper Dunga made it three wins and as many clean sheets since returning to the role following the World Cup in July.

Dunga upset many fans with his negative tactics in his first spell in charge but his methods seem well timed for a proud nation still coming to terms with a 7-1 hammering at their home World Cup by eventual winners Germany that led to Luiz Felipe Scolari's sacking.

More compact and organised, the five-time world champions soaked up wave after wave of pressure before launching swift counters at the Birds Nest Stadium in the Chinese capital where soaring pollution levels subsided an hour before kick off.

Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria had early sighters at goal for Argentina before they fell behind in the 28th minute against the run of play following a defensive lapse worthy of Scolari's Brazil.

A right-wing cross from midfielder Oscar drew the attention of Federico Fernandez and Pablo Zabaleta, the two defenders diverting the ball to an unmarked Tardelli who fired home with goalkeeper Sergio Romero making a poor attempt at a save.