In the biggest derby of the South American national football at the Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti two multiple world champions and bitter rivals Argentina and Brazil are set to clash, within the FIFA World Cup South America third qualification round.
WC QUALIFICATION SOUTH AMERICA
November 13, 2015 • 00:00 • Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Capital Federal, Ciudad de Buenos Aires
Referee: A. Arias
Argentina – Brazil Live Stream
Match Highlights & Full Match Replay – after the game end
There are many disappointments in both teams as neither of them manage to get any trophy in recent years. At the last World Cup for both teams Germany was fatal, the former host Brazil lost in the semifinals and Argentina in the final. At this year’s Copa America, Brazil got knocked out in the quarter-finals, while Argentina again lost in the final. These qualifications have not started well for neither side as Argentina has a win and a draw, while Brazil one defeat and one win. In their last mutual encounter Brazil in a friendly game won 2-0 while back in 2009 was the last time when Brazil manage to beat Argentina away.
Argentina without Leo Messi is absolutely a big disappointment so far in the qualifications. World silver medalist in the first two rounds played against Ecuador and Paraguay, and the results are on the verge of something funny and tragic. Gauchos in two opening games have won only one point, and the team in which Angel di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Javier Pastore, Carlos Tevez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Erik Lamela are playing, even failed to score a single goal.
With Messi outside of the pitch the bad news are coming from all side for the Argentina boss Gerardo Martino. Man City star, Sergio Aguero is out as well, Gago picked up an injury, defenders Zabaleta and Garay are too, while In the final of Argentine Cup playing for Boca Juniors, Carlos Tevez picked an injury, so he will also miss the clash with Brazil. PSG midfielder Pastore joined this list, so the first star for the home side should be Angel di Maria.
– Personally, I am happy with my performances in Paris, both domestically and in the Champions League. I had earlier problems with injuries, but now I got into shape and I hope that my good form will be transferred to the national jersey.
– We are missing two important players for the games with Brazil and Colombia, Leo and Kun, but we have to make do without them, said Di Maria.
“Argentina has the home advantage. It has many other great players at their roster, playing at the best European teams. Argentina was runner-up during the World Cup, played over the last ten years with almost the same players. That shows how difficult this game will be.”
“We didn’t have Neymar on the first two games and, on those occasions, nobody said that our opponent would have an advantage. On a national level, there are no favourites in any of the sides for this match because, whenever a player’s missing, there is a fine replacement.”
Gerardo Martino, Argentina head coach:
“The characteristics of our attack strategy will determine whether we will suffer or not from Brazil’s quick attack.”
“Leo’s absence is always directly linked to the team’s results. In the event we win, there will not be anymore a Messi-dependence. In the event we lose, we will still depend on him. In reality, whether we win or lose, the absence of the world’s best player can only be important.”
Brazil in the first two rounds was not much better than Argentina, but after the defeat in Chile at least at home the Selecao managed to beat Venezuela, and reach a win. Argentines today must manage without biggest stars, while for the Brazilians after suspension Neymar is returning, and more importantly Barcelona attacker is in great shape (11 goals in ten league appearances).
Still, All is not perfect at Selecao, as two defenders, Marcelo and Marquinhos are out because of injuries. After a long absence due to injury defender David Luiz is completely ready for the match.
Team Probable lineups
Argentina: Romero, Roncaglia, Otamendi, Demichelis, Mas, Biglia, Mascherano, Banega, Di Maria, Higuain, Correa
Out: Messi, Aguero, Zabaleta, Garay, Gago, Tevez (?), Pastore (?)
Brazil: Alisson, Alves, David Luiz, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Elias, Luiz Gustavo, Willian, Lima, Douglas Costa, Neymar
Out: Marquinhos, Marcelo