Two of the most popular soccer teams of the world, two traditional South American rivals Argentina and Brazil will lock horns on a friendly match at the famous birds nest stadium Beijing, China tomorrow 11 October 2014. It does not matter where the match is played, it does not matter whether it is a friendly match, world cup qualifier , it does not also matter whether it is played at Arfican desert , Caribbean Island or Chinese plains , Brazil Argentina match always generates high voltage and triggers great expectations. Billions of their admirers all over the world including Bangladesh will be glued to TV screen during the match wishing for their favorites for sure.
A dream final of Brazil and Argentina at 2014 FIFA World Cup final at historic Maracana Stadium was in the vision of many soccer admirers, critics and analysts .Till semifinals that possibility was very much alive .But Germany shocked and awed host Brazil with an overwhelming 7-1 sweep over .Argentina managed to reach the final but they could also not get it right and beat Germany as Mario Gotze’s injury time strike won the trophy for the Germans.Both nations have since appointed new coaches, with Martino replacing Alejandro Sabella as Argentina boss and Dunga taking over from Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Since their World Cup heartbreak Brazil have played two friendly matches against their continental rivals and won them both. They beat Columbia 1-0 with Neymar getting on the score sheet before beating Ecuador by the same margin with Willian this time finding the back of the net.
Argentina, on the other hand, have only played one friendly and believe it or not that was a World Cup Final rematch against Germany in Dusseldorf.Much to the contrary of expectation Argentina without their superstar Lionel Messi ran away with 4-2 winners in a game they led 4-0 after 50 minutes. Manchester United star Angel di Maria was in fine form as he scored once and was heavily involved in the others.
Brazil has called up Sao Paulo midfielder Souza for their friendlies against Argentina and Japan in Asia.Souza has been called up to replace injured Chelsea star Ramires for the friendlies. Ramires missed wins over Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea with a groin problem and will not be risked. Brazil has also called Kaka after a long time.
Brazil will face bitter rivals Argentina in Beijing on 11 October and then Japan in Singapore on 14 October. This clash should be one for the ages with the likes of Neymar, David Luiz, Oscar, Kaka and Robinho lining up for Brazil, while Argentina will have the likes of Di Maria,Higuen, Aguero and Lionel Messi running at them.
Background:
The Argentina–Brazilfootball rivalry is a highly competitive sports rivalry that exists between the national football teams of the two countries, as well as their respective sets of fans. Games between the two teams, even those that are only friendly matches, are often marked by notable and sometimes controversial incidents. This rivalry is also called the "Battle of the South Americans."
Even to passionate football fans, Argentina-Brazil matches are often noteworthy for the sheer level of competitiveness and talent of the two squads. Both Argentina and Brazil are routinely ranked among the top 10 national teams in the world.
The origins of the football rivalry between Argentina and Brazil can be traced to before football became so popular in both countries. Today few remember wars and other political confrontations between both countries, and only recall matches, victories, goals and other sport-related incidents. Their rivalry is found in almost all sports, but a men's football match between Argentina and Brazil is one that neither side wants to lose, and often acquires more importance than the championship within which it takes place. To exemplify the intensity of this rivalry, is enough to remember that after the 1946 incidents (see below), the two teams did not play against each other for ten years; either team would decline to play a given cup so that they would never have to play against the neighboring country.
Since their first match in 1914, the national teams have played 95 matches counting friendlies, World Cup, and other official competitions (excluding matches between youth sides).It is almost two years since the two nations locked horns, when Argentina ran out a 2-1 winner in Buenos Aires, and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.
Even though there is a difference depending on whether the Argentine Football Association (AFA) or the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) does the counting, the near-balance is not in dispute. Of the 95 matches played between both national teams, Argentina holds 36 victories, with 25 draws, and 35 Brazilian victories. Also, with 151 goals for Argentina and 145 goals for Brazil.[7] Only counting World Cup matches, Brazil is slightly ahead with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, whereas in the Copa América matches, Argentina holds a comfortable lead with 15 victories, 8 draws and 9 defeats. Of the 50 friendly matches, 19 went to Brazil, 17 to Argentina and 14 were draws. Since the first match between the two countries in 1914, Argentina dominated the early years with more than double of the Brazilian victories. This is even when Brazil was world champion in 1958 and 1962. However, the 1970s proved to be dark times for Argentina, with 7 defeats, 4 draws and only 1 victory. Although it should be mentioned that one of the draws came in the 1978 World Cup played in Argentina. The draw (0–0) actually helped Argentina reach their second World Cup final and their first World Cup Title. In the 1978 World Cup, Brazil was left behind playing for third place.
Highest scoring wins between these two nations, for Argentina 6–1 (at home in Buenos Aires, 1940) and 1–5 (away at Rio de Janeiro, 1939), for Brazil 6–2 (at home in Rio de Janeiro, 1945 and 1960) and 1–4 (away at Buenos Aires, 1960). Most important victory matches between these two nations, for Argentina was the tie in the 1978 world cup that helped them reach the final and their first title and the (1–0) victory over Brazil in the 1990 World Cup which eliminated Brazil from the World Cup. For Brazil, two Copa America win victories in the Copa America finals. The first, in Peru, 2004, Brazil won a penalty shoot out (4–2) after a (2–2) draw, and the second, a (3–0) win in the 2007 Copa America final played in Venezuela.]
The latest match between the two teams was the decision of the Superclásico de las Américas held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in November 2012.
Teams will definitely leave nothing unturned to express their full might and win the match .Both teams have perfect blend of youth and experience. The worldwide billions of followers will be glued to the TV screen hoping and wishing victory of the favorites. It will be Neymar against Messi, Robinho againt De Maria .It will be a classic derby of touch football of two of the finest football playing nations. It may be anyones game with no clear favorites .
BDST: 1547 HRS, OCT 10, 2014
