Brazil host Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday as they aim to get their World Cup qualification campaign back on track against the 2022 winners.
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Brazil vs Argentina H2H record:
Brazil vs Argentina is one of the longest and most storied rivalries in international football, equal measures talent and passion.
- Brazil wins: 45
- Draws: 23
- Argentina wins: 40
Brazil have lost their last two matches under new head coach Fernando Diniz. Argentina also lost to Uruguay last time out, but that was just their second loss in their last 62 games.
The last five Brazil vs Argentina H2Hs:
Let’s take a closer look at the most recent clashes between these two heavyweights.
Argentina 0-0 Brazil – 16th November 2021
Argentina dedicated this game to Sergio Aguero, who at the time had just discovered his career-ending cardiac condition. The former Manchester City man’s absence was sorely felt, as deputising strikers Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa managed just two shots between them.
This was a game for the defences, as Brazil also struggled to cut Argentina’s defence open. Matheus Cunha came closest with an effort from the halfway line.
Argentina 1-0 Brazil – 11th July 2021
Despite this Copa America final being billed as a battle between Lionel Messi and Neymar, it was Angel di Maria who stole the show, with an impudent lob over Ederson in the 22nd minute.
Argentina, in truth, created little afterwards. They sat deep, as Emi Martinez and co repelled waves of Brazilian pressure, putting their bodies on the line to help Messi secure his first international trophy.
Brazil 0-1 Argentina – 15th November 2019
An instalment of this pair’s ‘Superclasico’ friendly series, this match was hosted in Saudi Arabia, and was decided from the penalty spot.
Both Lionel Messi and Gabriel Jesus won spot-kicks, but both missed. Messi was fortunate that Alisson’s save fell back at his feet and could save his blushes with a tap in.
This was a particularly combative clash, as the sides committed a whopping 39 fouls between them.
Brazil 2-0 Argentina – 3rd July 2019
As hosts of the 2019 Copa America, a Neymar-less Brazil were determined to make amends for the international embarrassment they suffered as hosts of the 2014 World Cup. And through Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino, they did just that.
The two scored or assisted both goals, as Brazil kept their cool in the penalty area to score two goals from four shots. Argentina hammered away at Brazil’s door to no avail, hitting the woodwork twice from 14 efforts on goal.
Brazil 1-0 Argentina – 16 October 2018
Another friendly hosted in Saudi Arabia, this contest featuring Neymar, Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino was won by a towering second-half header from centre-back Joao Miranda, as Argentina struggled to deal with Lionel Messi’s absence.
Brazil vs Argentina H2H: Potential MVP
Gabriel Jesus
Though the obvious pick here is Lionel Messi, a lot hinges on Gabriel Jesus in this clash. The Arsenal man has struggled for fitness this season, but has recovered in time for this goliath encounter.
Following the World Cup, Richarlison, who has often led the line for Brazil in recent years, has desperately struggled for form. Diniz flirted with Rodrygo and Vinicius as split strikers against Colombia, but with the latter injured, it is no longer an option.
Jesus has been through rough and smooth patches internationally. But with Neymar out with an ACL injury, he is the most senior attacker in Brazil’s ranks. Without Jesus knitting together moves with younger forwards Martinelli and Rodrygo, Brazil have little hope of breaching Argentina’s tight defence.
Brazil vs Argentina H2H: Caginess expected
These games are tight encounters. Despite all the attacking talent on show, nobody wants to give anything away. Only once since 2014 has there been more than two goals in a match between these two.
Argentina are favourites on form, and Brazil are still finding their feet under Diniz. But at the Maracana, Brazil will surely not tolerate another defeat: we’re calling for a draw here, with under 2.5 goals. Click here for more Brazil vs Argentina tips.
