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The Kings of the Americas. It is a title that both Argentina and Brazil believe they hold ownership to. Tonight the Albiceleste and the Selecao will celebrate 103 years of what is one of, if not the greatest rivalry in all of soccer.
FIFA recognizes their first encounter back on September 20th, 1914 and, since then, the striped light blue and white kits of Argentina have clashed with the yellow and blue of Brazil 96 times. The record in those 96 meetings, 36-35-35 in favor of Argentina. How is that for competitive? We’re not done.
When it comes to Championships available for national teams, the two countries are tied at 25 a piece.
Then, of course, you have Diego Maradona and Pele. Argentina and Brazil have provided the sport with legends time and time again. This trend hasn’t slowed down either: Leo Messi, Angel Di Maria, Ronaldinho, and Neymar are all top tier players.But this rivalry isn’t just about the results between the two. Each country has its respective idol or national super hero to look up to. Angel Labruna or Zizinho? Carlos Peucelle or Leonidas da Silva? Antonio Sastre or Heleno de Freitas? Manuel Moreno or Didi? Alfredo Di Stefano or Garrincha? Zico or Mario Kempes?
The rivalry has too many moments to remember, but here are our favorites:
1982 - Maradona Red Card in 1982 World Cup
What has been coined as the "Original Group of Death," Argentina, Brazil and Italy were all in Group C in the 1982 World Cup in Barcelona. Diego Maradona, Paolo Rossi and Zico were all premier players heading into the tournament. Argentina was faced with the task of beating their rivals to survive in the third and final game of the group stage. Brazil were cruising and up 3-0 in the 85th when frustration set in for Diego Armando Maradona.
1990 - Maradona Magic Creates Caniggia Fireworks
Brazil was unbeaten against Argentina in their last five meetings (2 wins, 3 draws), but their clash in the Round of 16 in the 1990 World Cup in Turin was the start of an Albiceleste winning streak. In a 0-0 deadlock, Maradona ran past 2 defenders before attracting the attention of four Brazilians, which freed Claudio Caniggia. Maradona delivered a stellar pass while falling down and Caniggia calmly beat the keeper giving Argentina a 1-0 lead which they never relinquished.
1995 - Tulio Maravilha’s “Hand of the Devil”
Up 2-1 going into the final minutes, Argentina was poised to get a victory in the quarterfinal of the 1995 Copa America tournament. But, just like Diego Maradona did in 1986, Tulio Maravilha took matters into his own hand(s). The Brazilian snuck into the box and brought down a cross with his wrist before burying the equalizer. The referee had nothing to say and Brazil went on to win in penalties.
1998 - Argentina Wins In Maracana
To this day Argentina, haven’t won in Brazil since the day Cluadio Lopez scored in the Maracana to give the Albiceleste a 1-0 win in a friendly. The Argentine controlled a long pass on the left side and fought past a Brazilian defender, before waltzing into the box and blasting a shot into the top of the net. Even the Brazilian crowd gave Lopez an ovation.
2006 - Kaka Makes His Mark
It wasn’t a good game by any means, but when the two countries met in Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for a friendly, Kaka provided one of the better goals of the series. Dribbling 75 yards on his own, Kaka showed speed, power, creativity and class on his way to scoring one of the prettier goals of the rivalry.
2012 - Leo’s Hat-Trick
Again, a match that was nothing but a mere friendly turned into a battle in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Already with two goals under Messi's belt, Argentina and Brazil were tied entering the last five minutes of the match, before Leo Messi did again what he does best. The Rosario native dribbled right at Brazilian defenders before cutting in with his left foot and firing a curling rip upper 90 to give Argentina the victory.
