Brazilian and Argentine will renew one of the greatest rivalries of all time when they reunite at Maracana to contest World Cup qualifying match number three on September 1. Fernando Diniz may face some selection challenges as Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr sustained an injury against Colombia while Neymar and Casemiro will not be available. In this article, we will discuss about the top 5 matches of Brazil National Football Team vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups.
Top 5 Matches
Two of the world’s biggest national teams in football will reunite after an absence of over two years to renew one of its fiercest rivalries in an epic clash that has featured spectacular goalscoring, captivating storylines and sometimes violence.
Interim Brazil manager Fernando Diniz faces an important decision when selecting his starting XI for this crucial World Cup qualifier against Argentina. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was injured during Brazil’s 2-1 loss against Colombia last week and could remain out until 2024; joining Neymar, Casemiro, Richarlison and Danilo among many others who are sidelined.
Diniz has Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal ready and waiting as an option at Maracana stadium; however, Brazil coach Tite may opt for his tried-and-tested formula in order to secure victory on Sunday.
Lionel Scaloni will make adjustments following Argentina’s lackluster performance against Uruguay, with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez likely being replaced with Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria.
Both teams will look to get off to a winning start in this battle of titans, widely considered as a must-win game for each. Argentina are looking strong this year while Brazil have struggled so far defending their crown – it will surely make for an unforgettable meeting between these giants of South American football – make sure you tune into GOAL for all of the latest news and updates regarding this clash!
Brazil vs Argentina
Brazil and Argentina’s rivalry is one of the fiercest in international football, having met 109 times across various competitions over their storied histories – with Brazil holding an edge by virtue of their 46-44 advantage in head to head meetings.
Last time Argentina and Brazil played officially was in the 2021 Copa America final at Maracana Stadium, won by Argentina thanks to a goal by Lionel Messi – marking his first major trophy victory and marking an iconic moment for his career.
Both teams will look to rebound from disappointing qualifier defeats, yet neither is expected to triumph by more than a single goal. A stalemate might even be appropriate given the state of both squads.
Both coaches are expected to make changes from their original squads when it comes to starting lineups, with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson expected to start in goal for Brazil while Gabriel Jesus may line up alongside Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo de Paul up top. Manchester United Alejandro Garnacho and Real Madrid Lisandro Martinez may both remain out of Argentina’s starting XI, although they could see minutes off the bench.
Lionel Scaloni will be hoping to prevent Argentina suffering a third consecutive defeat following their 2-0 loss against Uruguay on Thursday. Scaloni confirmed he would make changes to his starting XI but they would not be “performance-based.” Argentina remain two points clear of Uruguay in their group with five more games played than South American counterparts Brazil; therefore a victory in Rio would go a long way toward securing first spot and qualifying for World Cup play-offs.
Brazil vs Colombia
The opening half of South American titans Brazil and Colombia featured far more fouls than chances as both teams struggled for dominance in an evenly-balanced encounter. Brazil proved dangerous however and almost scored through Bruno Guimaraes’ incredible slaloming run that beat multiple Colombian players; unfortunately his effort was well saved by Colombia’s goalkeeper.
Hosts look to gain control in the second period, yet their attacks remain dormant as they commit offenses that force referees to blow their whistle every time they have possession. Still, home side will attempt to find an opening scorer and it could come when Rodrygo Goes attempts to find Raphinha on the left flank.
Lionel Scaloni of Argentina has pledged to make changes, though these won’t necessarily be performance-related. Manchester City duo Leandro Paredes and Nico Gonzalez may miss due to injuries while Paulo Dybala’s presence remains uncertain.
Alisson Becker will remain between the posts, with Emerson Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Renan Lodi forming an impressive defensive group. Andreas Pereira, Bruno Guimaraes and Andre will combine in midfield while Rodrygo Goes, Endrick, Savio Raphinha and Gabriel Martinelli could make appearances up front.
Vinicius Junior, suspended due to yellow card accumulation, will miss his start against his former club; 17-year-old Endrick should take his place, with Rodrygo moving onto the wings.
Brazil vs Uruguay
Uruguay could finish on top of Group D with a win against Colombia on Wednesday; however, for them to secure their place in the final. Marcelo Bielsa’s team were impressive during Group Stage play – winning all their matches while conceding just once goal – with star player Darwin Nunez scoring twice during that stage of competition.
Real Madrid are shorthanded. Vinicius Junior picked up a yellow card against Colombia and will miss this match; his absence may open up opportunities for 17-year-old Endrick who could team with Rodrygo up front.
Brazil manager Fernando Diniz is unlikely to make major adjustments after his team’s underwhelming display against Colombia. With many options at his disposal – Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez could return in place of Nicolas Gonzalez; Juan Manuel Vargas and Gabriel Martinelli may also feature – Diniz may make only minimal tweaks after such an unsatisfactory showing against Colombia.
Uruguay has been highly effective defensively throughout this tournament, and they will likely stick with a similar back four against Brazil. Diego Godin and Francisco Porto’s partnership is highly effective while both fullbacks are equally reliable. Luiz Felipe, Rodrygo and Joao Pedro should make up Uruguay’s attacking trio while Nahuel Molina and Cuti Romero will provide coverage on defense while Eder Militano and Maximiliano Araujo provide pace on offense.
Brazil vs Venezuela
Brazil will aim to secure three points in South American World Cup qualifying when they host Venezuela at the Arena Pantanal. They currently lead their group with two wins and a draw after Gabriel’s goal proved enough to defeat Peru last time out. Argentina are in second with three points following their win against Paraguay but any defeat would likely see them slip into third position in South American World Cup qualification.
Lionel Scaloni will likely stick with the same lineup that earned a 1-0 victory against Paraguay, keeping Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul in midfield and Lionel Messi leading Argentina’s attack along with Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria behind him.
Fernando Diniz may opt to make several adjustments to his lineup, with Guilherme Arana and Carlos Augusto competing for left-back positions alongside Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes. Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal and Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur could start up front respectively.
Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior may miss the match as he continues to suffer from a thigh injury, while Andre and Bruno Guimaraes should team up as central midfielders.
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