Argentina is set to reignite their endless rivalry
FIFA World Cup champions five times At the Maracana, Brazil and Argentina, the current world champions, are about to rekindle their storied rivalry. Argentina’s 28-year title drought ended in this iconic arena when Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 winners will play Brazil in a thrilling encounter back at the legendary arena on Wednesday. Guests Brazil and Argentina will square off in a tough match at the South American World Cup qualifying tournament in Rio de Janeiro. In front of a packed Maracana stadium, the record FIFA World Cup winners are fired up for a victory versus Argentina.
In their past three matches in the South American qualifiers, the hosts have not won.
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in a fierce 2026 World Cup qualification match to win the championship. However, pre-match crowd unrest that delayed kickoff overshadowed the game. Before the game ever started, the rivalry between the two South American heavyweights intensified in Rio’s famous Maracana Stadium.
Police from Brazil were compelled to step in. An agitated environment was created when they broke up a group of Argentine fans with batons. The players from Argentina tried to diffuse the tension. Emi Martinez, the goalkeeper, even attempted to challenge a Brazilian policeman with a baton. Lionel Messi and his colleagues once momentarily left the field.
Messi said they were reluctant to play in the midst of the confusion. Leo reportedly said, “We’re not playing, we’re leaving,” according to AFP. After around thirty minutes, the teams were finally back on the field. The atmosphere remained strained. Both parties were booked for early altercations. In the first half, none of the sides were able to generate clear-cut opportunities.
The game’s rhythm was disturbed by numerous fouls. Raphinha of Brazil was reported for an arm-to-arm altercation. Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina also encountered difficult obstacles. Brazil’s first attempt on goal came in the 38th minute as they struggled to generate any real opportunities. Cristian Romero of Argentina cleared Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt off the line.
In the second half, Brazil adopted a more upbeat strategy. However, Nicolas Otamendi’s headed goal from a corner given by Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead in the 63rd minute. Joelinton, a replacement, was sent off in the 82nd minute for an off-the-ball confrontation with De Paul, adding to Brazil’s troubles.
In World Cup qualifying, this was Brazil’s third straight loss—a first in their football history. Additionally, it is their first-ever World Cup qualifying home loss. With 15 points from six games, Argentina’s victory solidified their position atop the South American qualifying standings. Brazil has seven points from six games, which puts them in sixth place right now.
Brazil is currently behind Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador in the standings. The South American global Cup qualifications go until September 2025, so the five-time global champions will have plenty of time to heal. Uruguay also outperformed Argentina, the visiting team, as the world champions lost 2-0 to the South American powerhouses.
Vinicius Junior, who made it possible for Fernando Diniz to test Gabriel Jesus in the role of the Real Madrid superstar, will also be missed by Brazil. Interestingly, in the lack of seasoned players who are unable to play in the pivotal match against Argentina, Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo, and Raphinha can all be used in Brazil’s midfield. Argentina now leads the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points, while Brazil has never lost a home match in World Cup qualifying.
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