Philippe Coutinho played the whole game as Brazil suffered a 1-0 defeat against Argentina in Melbourne on Friday.

The friendly between the South American rivals was settled by a solitary Gabriel Mercado goal, converted from yards out in the closing seconds of the first half.

Brazil created a host of clear chances as time elapsed at Melbourne Cricket Ground but were unable to find the right finish and Argentina preserved the result.

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Coutinho might have given his country a lead on 22 minutes, after Willian launched a counter-attack along the left flank and intelligently squared into the box.

The Liverpool midfielder wanted to take a touch before shooting, though, and that moment’s pause allowed Argentina to recover in numbers and block his attempt.

Instead it was Jorge Sampaoli’s side who gained an advantage before the interval.

A dangerous delivery from the left hand side in the final minute was flicked against the post by Nicolas Otamendi and an unmarked Mercado was in the perfect place to tap home the rebound.

Coutinho threatened to produce an equaliser for Brazil shortly before the hour, sneaking past his marker on the edge of the area with trademark close control and seeing his drive hit a teammate.

Moments later, Gabriel Jesus contrived to nudge the ball onto the post upon rounding the goalkeeper. Willian then sent an effort against the opposite post on the rebound.

Tite’s charges were left to rue those missed opportunities, too, as Argentina successfully saw out the remainder of the game to get one over their old foes.

Watch Brazil in action again next Tuesday, with live coverage of the friendly against Australia available on LFCTV and LFCTV GO in the UK and Republic of Ireland (kick-off 11.05am BST).

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