There is so much hype going into the Brazil versus Argentina match that it is tough to even decide where to begin. Arguably the most heated international derby on the planet, every time Brazil and Argentina meet it’s a special occasion. This Thursday’s match, however, has some extra plot elements that make this particular encounter a unique and spicy affair.
The first aspect we must touch on is the form of both squads. Brazil have been unreal since Tite took over. The Selecao have won all four matches under their new boss, and they’ve managed to do so in commanding fashion. The closest they have been to a draw was against Colombia, when they won 2-1 and delivered Jose Pekerman’s team their only loss in the last six fixtures.
Argentina, on the other hand, have done little to justify their top spot in the FIFA rankings ever since Edgardo Bauza took control. So far, La Albiceleste have tallied a single win to go along with two draws and one loss under their new manager.
Their latest loss to Paraguay meant that the Argentinians dropped out of the qualification zone for Russia 2018. Yes, this means that if the qualifiers were to end today, there would be no Lionel Messi in Russia.
Good thing we mentioned Messi, because he might just be the key to breaking the national team’s bad form and putting them back on track to qualifying for the World Cup. The Barcelona star has been plagued by injuries and was absent during most of Argentina’s poor campaign, while his Barcelona attacking partner, Neymar, has been firing on all cylinders for Brazil.
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With Messi on the pitch, however, Argentina have won eight of their last nine competitive matches. The only loss in that period was the Copa America final fiasco against Chile.
Now for the grim news for Argentina: Brazil have never lost a World Cup qualifying match at home. Seems hard to believe, right? The record totals 50 matches with 38 wins, 12 ties and zero losses for the Selecao on Brazilian soil. So, if Argentina want to get back on track at the expense of their fiercest rivals, Messi and company will only have to do something no one else in history has managed to achieve.
The final touch for this match, which will surely become a classic, is the venue. What better stage for this rivalry than the very field where the most tragic chapter in Brazilian soccer history took place?
The last time the senior side played in the Mineirao, the Brazilians were humbled 7-1 by Germany. This time, the Selecao are looking to purge the ghost of that loss and finally turn the page. But first, they’ll have to make another hole on the hull of Bauza’s sinking Argentine ship.
