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Argentina vs Brazil, November 17, 2010 - Qatar

November 16 2010,
If anyone thinks that Wednesday’s friendly between Brazil and Argentina in Qatar is going to be friendly, think again. There is just too much at stake.
Ronaldinho will be looking to impress Mano Menezes
Ronaldinho will be looking to impress Mano Menezes
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The game may be part of Qatar’s promotional campaign to secure the hosting of the of the 2022 World Cup, but pitting these two nations together on a soccer field becomes a matter of South American national pride. As AC Milan’s uncompromising defender Thiago Silva says, “Facing Argentina is special, not just because of the quality of their team, but also because of the rivalry that always makes these games classics.”

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has been putting together a new young squad following the team’s failure at the World Cup in South Africa last summer. However, AC Milan’s 30-year-old Ronaldinho has been brought back into the squad after being surprisingly left out by former coach Dunga for the last few months and is delighted with his return to the fold. After the lows of utter dejection, Ronaldinho commented, “It’s a great joy for me to return. Now I am motivated to stay in the squad. The next World Cup is in Brazil and we all dream about playing in our own country.”

It should be an intriguing battle between Ronaldinho and his former team mate Lionel Messi, the first time they have been on the same pitch since their days at Barcelona.

26-year-old striker Robinho, another AC Milan hero, hopes to be named captain and has accepted the responsibility. Previous temperamental outbursts, mostly when he was with Manchester City in the English Premier League, have given rise to a more mature outlook and he now thinks that his growing experience will be of help to the youngsters coming through.

One of those is the exciting 18-year-old Santos striker Neymar who himself was disciplined and left out of the squad by Menezes for tantrums and unacceptable behavior towards his team mates.

Despite being without injury victims Alexandre Pato (hamstring) and Manchester United’s right back Rafael (ankle), expect Brazil to field a very strong team. Everyone, none more so than Ronaldinho, will be trying to make a mark in Menezes’ mind even though the World Cup is still four years off.

There will always be fireworks when the two South American footballing giants Brazil and Argentina meet. The quality of both teams is sure to produce a classic encounter as usual.

Argentina vs Brazil

Date: Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010
Time: 12:00 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: Friendly
Live/Repeat: Live

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