Brazil vs Argentina live on September 5, 2021 as the Selecao seek revenge in World Cup qualifier

September 5, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Brazil, Argentina, World Cup Qualifying

After losing 1-0 in the Copa America final a few months back, Tite's men will be looking for revenge when they lock horns with Messi and Cio.

Preview

Brazil and Argentina are set to reignite their rivalry, one of the fiercest and most popular in world football, over the weekend with these two South American powerhouses gearing up for a showdown on Sunday in the World Cup qualifiers. All eyes will be on this Neo Química Arena battle as the Selecao and La Albiceleste go in search of bragging rights.

This will be the first encounter between these two nations since their 2021 Copa America final showdown. After crashing out in the semi-finals at the hands of Brazil in the 2019 edition, Lionel Scaloni's men got a shot at revenge over the then defending champions. Tite's side, despite being far from their best, were the favorites and given that the fixture was being played at the Maracana, many backed the five-time World Cup champions to emerge triumphant.

However, the exact opposite occurred. A lovely first-half goal from Angel di Maria was enough to earn Argentina the trophy, their first silverware since winning this exact same competition back in 1993. Furthermore, this was the first major international trophy won by Lionel Messi for the senior national team, ending his long and well-documented struggle for silverware in the White and Sky Blues shirt.

Additionally, the Copa America holders head into this tie on the back of a lovely victory in the World Cup qualifiers, overcoming Venezuela 3-1. The opposition were reduced to 10 men due to a horrendous tackle on Messi, which the five-time Ballon d'Or winner fortunately survived. That result saw them maintain their hold on the second spot, having picked up 15 points from seven games thanks to their four wins.

Argentina are yet to lose a game but Brazil, on the other hand, boast a perfect record so far. Seven wins out of seven games, the most recent being a 1-0 triumph away to Chile, is how Neymar and Co.'s record reads. As a result, they sit top of the table and boast a six-point advantage over their bitter rivals. Not only would a triumph secure them bragging rights, but it would also see them move out of touching distance in the race to qualify for Qatar 2022. Who will win this tie? Tune in to find out.

Team news

Brazil: Due to restrictions, Tite will have to make do without his Premier League players, meaning no Richarlison, Alisson, Fernandinho, Fabinho, and Thiago Silva at hand. As a result, the manager will heavily rely on the likes of Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Neymar, and Casemiro for inspiration. Hulk did earn a surprise call-up but is unlikely to feature but Gabriel Barbosa will be hopeful of starting.

Argentina: Despite being on the receiving end of a near leg-breaking tackle, Lionel Messi is fine and ready to captain his nation one more time. Lautaro Martinez, who scored in the 3-1 victory over Venezuela, is destined to partner him up front while Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Angel Di Maria will be Scaloni's other key men for this crucial fixture. Argentina's Premier League players are fortunately able to feature, meaning Scaloni has Emi Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Giovani Lo Celso at his disposal.

Key stats

As mentioned above, these two nations last met in the 2021 Copa America final, with Argentina emerging triumphant.
Their recent head-to-head record has been even, with the Selecao boasting the slight edge from their last 10 encounters, winning five while losing four.
Tite's men are unbeaten in their last 24 World Cup qualifiers.