Nine weeks after Copa America's final, Brazil and Argentina are reunited after Albiceleste won the continental crown.
This time, there is no title at stake. This is the eighth round in South America's World Cup qualifying. The match will likely have minimal impact on who gets to Qatar. Brazil has a record of 100% in the campaign so far and is close to securing their place at the halfway stage. Argentina will need to fail badly if they are to be drawn into the dogfight. Even so, Sunday's match in Sao Paulo is a significant occasion. This is not only because of the historic rivalry. This is despite the fact that Lionel Messi may be the most prolific South American player of all time. The Argentine has 76 goals. Pele, the great Pele, left the stage nearly exactly 50 years ago with 77 goals. Messi could choose to match or surpass the record with this match.
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However, this is not the main theme of match, which was highlighted by Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach.
Scaloni stated, "I don’t believe it’s relevant where you finish on the qualification table." "What matters is how you get to the World Cup."
Brazil versus Argentina is a test of Qatar's pretensions just over a year away. This is the kind of match that could be played in the knockout rounds of the World Cup. Brazil will be entering the match without 11 of the players they called up. This includes the nine Premier League players not released and two who were recalled from their clubs in Russia.
There are many reasons Brazil has been relatively passive in accepting this reality. Perhaps one is the perception that honey attracts more insects than vinegar. This could be why a spirit of cooperation will be necessary with European clubs. Then there's the matter of the standings. Brazil has the ability to try new things, to look at other options and to make the most of an unfavorable situation. Some of the players who were absent are unlikely to have been active, but they can all be replaced.
Ederson of Manchester City would have been the first-choice goalkeeper, with Liverpool's Alisson close behind. Weverton, from Palmeiras, is a great substitute in their absence. Thiago Silva, centre-back, will be dealt with shortly. Few have regretted Fred's absence from Manchester United. Richarlison Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus would have all been eligible to start. However, none of them are considered indispensable and Flamengo's local hero Gabriel Barbosa was delighted to be given the chance.
The missing players have both a positive spin and a negative side. Brazil has such an enviable depth of talent that replacements are easy to find. Another is the lack of authentic, undisputed world-class talent. Neymar is one example of this, but what about the other players? Yes, the goalkeepers. Casemiro? Perhaps, but some are beginning to question the mobility and skill of the Real Madrid central midfielder. Centre-back Marquinhos? It's not doubtful. He is one of those discreet school defenders, so skilled that sometimes he goes unnoticed. He could walk in to any national team anywhere in the world. He will not be in Brazil's line-up on Sunday. Brazil's top defender is out of the picture due to a yellow card he received in Thursday's 1-0 win against Chile.
Lionel Messi, Neymar and their PSG team-mate are renewing their country rivalry on Sunday. MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images
Brazil will therefore be without the two centre-backs who fought against Argentina in the Copa America final. Thiago Silva may have been wrong to be played in that match. He has lost some of his speed as a Chelsea veteran. He is primarily used in the middle of the back 3, where he can work in a smaller space. Brazil noticed that Brazil was unable to press in the midfield when he was playing during the Copa. This was evident because he sat down deep. Angel Di Maria's goal that won the title was scored in this exact situation. Rodrigo De Paul was allowed to choose the pass.
It was logical to move with the Eder Militao along Marquinhos. Both were excellent against Chile. Now, Militao is facing a huge responsibility because Marquinhos has been absent. What does Tite do then? Miranda, a veteran player, has been recalled to the team for the first time since 2018. Do you trust Tite's experience? Or does he make a debut for the younger, quicker Lucas Verissimo from Benfica
The coach must also make decisions about the attack's shape. Brazil had only three goals scored in its last four matches against Chile, which was disappointing considering the Copa. Matheus Cunha might be worth a second look. Atletico Madrid's new signing is a true centre-forward who may be able push back Argentina's defensive line and make space for Neymar.
Argentina is six points behind the leaders in the table but they look more settled with their model of play that revolves around a complex circuit of midfield passing. Scaloni can have many different formations. The full-backs can be more attacking or less, and Scaloni can change from a 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 with Di Maria. This was the same formation that he used for the Copa final and Thursday's 3-1 win away to Venezuela.
These are more individual questions than they are collective. After three months of suspension, Argentina will welcome back Tottenham's Cristian Romoro from Tottenham. He was already widely regarded as the best centre-back in Argentina. He is amazing. At this point in his career, how vulnerable is Nicolas Otamendi as his defensive partner? Can Brazil find an attacking combination? If so, can Argentina defend it? These are big questions that will be relevant not only for 90 minutes in Sao Paulo but also for the World Cup Qatar.
