The world champion coach returns to face the rival who marked his first major win of the cycle.
Matchups between Argentina and Brazil are always charged, whether they occur in the pursuit of points or in a friendly clash. This time, it is a fresh Superclásico set within the South American Qualifiers, with the venue — Maracanã — carrying the weight of a golden era led by Lionel Scaloni, who steered the national team to its latest triumph and the birth of a new generation.
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The coach from Pujato stepped into the role on an interim basis after the 2018 setback in Russia. Over five and a half years, he faced Brazil five times, excluding the September 5, 2021 qualifier date for Qatar 2022, when play was halted early due to a health protocol incident involving government authorities investigating a forged affidavit amid the pandemic measures.
The story began on October 16, 2018. The cycle had just reached its fourth match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Tite’s Brazil sought to rebound from a disappointing World Cup. With fresh faces and without stars like Messi, Agüero, or Di María, Brazil edged ahead 1-0 on Miranda’s stoppage-time strike in the 92nd minute.
July 10, 2019 brought the Superclásico into a semi-final stage of the Copa America. Argentina delivered their best performance of the tournament, yet were undone by a controversial officiating call and lost 2-0 courtesy of goals from Gabriel Jesus and Firmino. A potential penalty in Argentina’s favor went unawarded, triggering Messi’s famous post-match outburst and a harsh penalty that followed.
Four months later, on November 15, a friendly in Riyadh saw a narrow Albiceleste victory courtesy of a Lionel Messi penalty. Slowly, the players who would form the backbone of future success began to emerge, laying the groundwork for a championship-winning squad years later.
Then came July 10, 2021. Even with pandemic restrictions limiting spectators, the Maracaná hosted a pivotal moment as Ángel Di María lifted the ball over Éderson to seal the lead, delivering the Copa América and the first major trophy of the Scaloni era.
The most recent meeting on Argentine soil, and the lone game without goals between the two sides in this stretch, occurred on November 16, 2021 in San Juan, a World Cup qualifier that finished 0-0 after Brazil had already secured their spot for the tournament in Qatar.
All these clashes reflect a storied rivalry that continues to evolve under the current coaching leadership, a dynamic that fuels anticipation for the next chapter in one of world football’s most iconic rivalries. (Goal)