Some of the more recent clashes between these two football powerhouses to refresh your memory…
Argentina against Brazil takes place tomorrow in Beijing, despite the fact that high levels of smog, which is rampant in the Chinese capital, have affected both team’s training plans.
SEE MORE:
Robben Ballon d’or – Former Netherlands manager says winger is better than Messi.
Ballon d’or – Main candidates for the trophy.
Sepp Blatter – FIFA president blasts archaic away-goal rules.
What makes this “friendly” different to most others is the competitive spirit in which it will be played. As you will see from this list, no matter the prize at stake, how many youngsters are played, subs are made or players rested, Brazil Argentina games tend to be exciting affairs…
5) Argentina 2 – 2 Brazil, Copa América 2004, Lima
In this Copa América final, Brazil defeated Argentina on penalties after a thrilling game. Kily Gonzales opened the scoring with a penalty, before Luisao equalised with a bullet header. Argentina looked to have won it when monobrowed striker Cesar Delgado scored in the 87th minute, but the red hot Adriano scored his seventh of the tournament to send the game to spot-kicks when he scored in the 93rd.
4) Brazil 4 – 1 Argentina, Confederations Cup 2005, Frankfurt
Another final, and this time a comfortable win for a young Brazilian team. Adriano put them in front with a trademark rocket from the edge of the box, before Kaka added a glorious second. Ronaldinho starred throughout and scored the third; before Adriano grabbed his second to complete the memorable thrasing. Aimar’s late header was scant consolation for the Argentinians.
3) Brazil 3 – 0 Argentina, Friendly 2006, London
This routine win was more memorable for its contexts than its moments. The game marked the grand unveiling of Arsenal’s new Emirates Stadium, and amongst the players that day were West Ham’s new signings Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, lining up alongside an awkward youngster Lionel Messi. It was this young Messi who was left trailing in Kaka’s wake as the majestic Brazilian galloped the length of the field to score a memorable goal.
2) Brazil 3 – 0 Argentina, Copa América 2007, Maracaibo
Another Copa América final, this one did not go to plan for Argentina. Brazil’s squad was mainly composed of youngsters and second string players; while Argentina were at full strength. Argentina were expected to win comfortably, but an early Julio Baptista strike was compounded by a dreadful Roberto Ayala own goal, and the Argentinian choke was completed when Dani Alves scored on the counter.
1) Argentina 3 – 0 Brazil, Olympics 2008, Beijing
Argentina’s revenge came at last in this semi-final, and they went on to win the gold medal. Billed as the showdown between Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, it was a young Sergio Aguero who stole the show. Brazil hadn’t conceded a single goal on the way to the semi, but Aguero found space to head/shoulder the ball home in the first half. His second came from a simple square ball across the box, and Riquelme added a third from a penalty after Aguero was fouled.