Tonight will mark the Battle of the Americas at Maracana as Argentina and Brazil meet in a World Cup qualifying matchup. This contest is of particular significance for Argentina as they currently lead their group and must secure victory to advance further.
Argentina nearly took the lead early in the first half, but Martinelli missed from close range. But their hosts held tight, making the most of one of their few chances 63rd minute when Otamendi rose high to power home a Giovani Lo Celso corner kick with ease.
Argentina vs Brazil
Brazil and Argentina are South American powerhouses, having won an astounding eight FIFA World Cup championships between them. Both nations boast legendary players that frequently clash against one another – from Diego Maradona vs Pele to Lionel Messi vs Neymar fights, these rivalries often become contentious and heated.
So it is not unusual for the Superclasico to be marred by violence or disorder, particularly when one team meets on home territory and faces hostile crowds – yet matches still generally provide quality football, with both sides providing opportunities to score.
The match started 30 minutes late due to clashes among fans that delayed its start. These clashes included brawls between fans and police officers as well as Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez reaching into the crowd to try and stop a police officer using their baton on an Argentina fan. Messi appealed for calm to prevail and took his team off the pitch and into their dressing rooms for over 10 minutes until tensions had settled down.
Even in spite of all its drama, the first half was packed with high-quality action, culminating in Brazil trailing 2-1 at half time. Had it not been for some wasteful Brazilian defending from Serginho and others such as Daniele de Rossi who let an easy header past them then the match could have become much more one-sided.
At the other end, Argentine striker Angel Di Maria appeared poised for his maiden international trophy. Unfortunately for Di Maria, Romero made an outstanding save to stop Di Maria.
The second half was much calmer. Following halftime, Rodrygo sent De Paul to the ground to concede a free kick, which Argentina eventually won and used to gain possession in Brazilian territory. Although Argentina continued their control of possession throughout this second period, tension still reached fever pitch in its final 10 minutes until eventually referee blew the final whistle and called time on this matchup.
1st Half
In the first 45 minutes, both teams struggled to assert any form of control over proceedings. Gabriel Martinelli and Rodrygo from Brazil provided constant threat on either flank, yet no-one was there to receive their crosses into the box. Augusto caused problems on central areas as well and was even booked after making contact with Argentine player.
This half was notable due to Lionel Messi finally playing against his countrymen in a competitive match, receiving both cheers and jeers upon entering. Yet the Barcelona star handled himself perfectly on the ball, showing his usual calm.
After an uneventful first half, the second half accelerated rapidly with both sides pushing forward and looking for chances. Brazil’s Marquinhos had an excellent chance on the edge of the penalty area but his shot went over the crossbar; Emiliano Martinez made an amazing stop against Gabriel Martinelli one-on-one.
Brazil struggled to find an equalizer throughout, and finally in the last minute were reduced to 10 players when Joelinton was sent off for fouling Rodrigo De Paul – leaving them virtually helpless in qualifying for next year’s World Cup tournament.
As expected, the second half began slowly as police removed several Brazilian fans for aggressive behavior from the stadium, forcing the players to wait 30 minutes in their locker rooms until kickoff started again – something which did little to improve their spirits.
2nd Half
Second half action in this game becomes much more open with both sides attacking. Fouls still occur frequently – Raphinha, for instance, takes out Rodrigo de Paul and earns Brazil a free kick. Fernando Diniz protests the decision but receives an unpleasant talking-to by the referee for his efforts.
Argentina take the lead with Otamendi’s header from Giovani Lo Celso corner kick in the 63rd minute, silence Maracana Stadium and put hosts Brazil under immense pressure.
Brazil nearly went back on the attack when Gabriel Jesus evaded two defenders and squared it to Martinelli, but his shot went directly at Emiliano Martinez instead of being successful.
Messi then took a short corner, which resulted in Neymar being presented the ball in the area but his attempt at shooting being well blocked by Brazilian defenders. Neymar then went down to receive treatment on his groin – something of an alarm given how important he had been for Brazil in the first half.
As the final 10 minutes begin, both teams try to attack, yet it remains an tense affair with several physical challenges between both sides. Rodrigo makes an attack down the left wing for Argentina and wins them a corner kick which is taken by Mauricio Pochettino.
78th minute: As Argentina make their third substitution of the match, Nicolas Gonzalez replaces Lo Celso as Enzo Fernandez and Emanuel Dante are sent off in place of Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Gonzalez respectively.
Argentina’s defenders and forwards were tiring as Rodrigo De Paul played Gabriel Jesus a long through ball that found him unmarked at the top of the area; his strike was saved by Alisson before they launched a counter attack which resulted in Danilo needing medical assistance due to leg injury; in comes Fabinho. Argentina eventually scored their hard-fought win and moved top of Group H with six matches left before automatic qualification; Brazil fell out altogether, while Diniz found themselves six and outside automatic qualification territory; his dismissal from his post as head coach of Selecao only added pressure for him as head coach of Selecao head coach Carlos Diniz as head coach of Selecao head coach Carlos Diniz who led his Selecao team through its recent failure.
Final
Brazil and Argentina will compete in an expected classic clash between South America’s two most formidable football nations. Both are striving to return to world-class status, so this Superclasico may provide a vital test for Dunga’s Brazil and Lionel Messi’s Argentina as they seek reentry.
Every match between Brazil and Argentina generates great anticipation, as both teams boast impressive records in major competitions. Brazil have won five World Cup titles while Argentina have three; moreover, their head-to-head record in Copa America matches is impressive: four wins for Selecao while nine for Albiceleste.
First half play was uneventful with neither team making inroads into each other’s defences. Brazil did have better opportunities, though, with Raphinha unable to convert a free kick and Cristian Romero having to be vigilant to stop Rodrygo scoring from close range.
Both teams pushed hard during the second half, with Brazil coming close through Barbosa and Neymar having an attempt saved by Martinez; but it was Argentina who took the lead with Otamendi’s stunning strike that flew past Brazil defenders to score.
Subsequently, the game became more open as both teams sought a way out. Unfortunately, chances were quickly dashed when the fourth official indicated one minute of stoppage time.
Brazil dominated this encounter and nearly had their second goal when Neymar’s attempt was disallowed for being offside. Additionally, Marcelo was brought down in the box but his appeals to be sent off were ignored by the referee. Argentina had another chance, but Ederson made an outstanding save to deny Lautaro an almost certain goal. On Messi’s final attempt, however, his low strike was well defended against by Ederson. Both teams will now head into the quarterfinals with high hopes. Argentina will face Uruguay while Brazil takes on Ecuador. Argentina hopes to end a 28-year trophy drought while Brazilians hope to redeem themselves after an indifferent tournament campaign. To know more about the sports and games just follow us: sportsbyte.co.uk
