Argentina–Brazil football rivalry
The Argentina–Brazil football rivalry is a sports rivalry between the national football teams of the two countries and their respective sets of fans. Games between the two teams, even those that are only friendly matches, are often marked by notable and sometimes controversial incidents. This rivalry is also called the "Battle of the Americas." FIFA have described it as the "essence of football rivalry",[2] ESPN FC ranked it top of their list of rivalries between national sides, while CNN ranked it second on their top 10 list of international rivalries—only below the older England–Scotland football rivalry.[3]
Other names | Clásico del Atlántico or Clássico do Atlântico |
---|---|
Locale | CONMEBOL |
Teams | |
First meeting | Argentina 3–0 Brazil (Friendly, Buenos Aires, 20 Sep 1914[1] ) |
Latest meeting | Brazil 0–1 Argentina (2019 Superclásico de las Américas, Saudi Arabia, 15 November 2019) |
Statistics | |
Meetings total | 111 |
Most wins | |
Most player appearances | |
Top scorer | |
Largest victory | Argentina 6-1 Brazil (Friendly, Buenos Aires, 5 March 1940) |
Even to passionate football fans, Argentina–Brazil matches are often noteworthy for the sheer level of competitiveness and talent of the two squads. Brazil and Argentina are the two teams with the highest average Elo Rating calculated over the entire team history, with 1994 and 1984 respectively. Both are also routinely ranked among the top ten national teams in the world in both the FIFA World Rankings and the World Football Elo Ratings. Both countries have produced players considered at the time as the best in the world, such are the cases of José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Omar Sívori, Mario Kempes, Diego Maradona, Fernando Redondo, Gabriel Batistuta or Lionel Messi for Argentina, and Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Romario, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká or Neymar for Brazil.
Major official titles comparison
Main championship titles | Argentina | Brazil |
---|---|---|
World Cup | 2 | 5 |
Copa América | 14 | 9 |
FIFA Confederations Cup | 1 | 4 |
Total | 17 | 18 |
Age level hvmain Championship titles | Argentina | Brazil |
Olympics | 2 | 1 |
Pan American Games | 7 | 4 |
FIFA U-20 World Cup | 6 | 5 |
FIFA U-17 World Cup | 0 | 4 |
South American Youth Football Championship | 5 | 11 |
South American U-17 Championship | 4 | 12 |
South American U-15 Championship | 1 | 5 |
Total | 25 | 42iou |
Grand Total | 44 | 62 |
Origins
The origins of the football rivalry between Argentina and Brazil can be traced to a time before football became so popular in both countries. Today, few remember wars and other political confrontations between both countries, and only recall matches, victories, goals and other sport-related incidents. Their rivalry is found in almost all sports, but a men's football match between Argentina and Brazil is one that neither side wants to lose, and often acquires more importance than the championship within which it takes place. To exemplify the intensity of this rivalry, one only needs to remember that after the 1946 incidents (see below), the two teams did not play against each other for ten years; either team would decline to play a given cup so that they would never have to play against the neighboring country.
Since their first match in 1914, the national teams have played 105 matches counting friendlies, FIFA World Cup matches, and other official competitions (excluding matches between youth sides).
Even though there is a difference depending on whether the Argentine Football Association (AFA) or the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) does the counting, the near-balance is not in dispute. According to FIFA, of the 105 matches played between both national teams, Argentina and Brazil hold 38 and 41 victories, respectively, with 26 draws. Argentina has 160 goals, while Brazil has 163.[4] Only counting World Cup matches, Brazil is slightly ahead with two wins, one draw and one loss, whereas in the Copa América matches, Argentina holds a comfortable lead with 14 victories, 8 draws and 9 defeats. Of the 60 friendly matches, 25 went to Brazil, 20 to Argentina and 16 were draws.
Since the first match between the two countries in 1914, Argentina dominated the early years with more than double of the Brazilian victories. This is even when Brazil was world champion in 1958 and 1962. However, the 1970s proved to be dark times for Argentina, with seven defeats, four draws and only one victory, although it should be mentioned that one of the draws came in the 1978 World Cup played in Argentina. The 0–0 draw actually helped Argentina reach their second World Cup final and their first World Cup title. In the 1978 World Cup, Brazil was left behind, playing for third place.
The highest scoring wins between these two nations were for Argentina 6–1 (at home in Buenos Aires, 1940) and 1–5 (away at Rio de Janeiro, 1939), for Brazil 6–2 (at home in Rio de Janeiro, 1945) and 1–4 (away at Buenos Aires, 1960).
The most important victory matches between these two nations were, for Argentina, the 2–0 match in the 1937 Copa América final,[5] the tie 0–0 in the 1978 World Cup that helped them to reach the final and their first World Cup title, and the 1–0 victory over Brazil in the 1990 World Cup which eliminated Brazil from the World Cup in the Round of 16. For Brazil, most important were two Copa America victories in the Copa America finals. The first, in Peru in 2004, saw Brazil win in a penalty shootout (4–2) after a (2–2) draw, and the second was a (3–0) win in the 2007 Copa América final played in Venezuela.[6] Another important victory for Brazil was the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup final, where the Brazilians defeated Argentina 4–1 in the decisive match.
Results
List of all the matches played by both sides since their first game in 1914:
Date | Venue | Score | Winner | Comments | Series |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 Nov 2019 | 0–1 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
2 July 2019 | 2–0 | Brazil | 2019 Copa América | ||
16 October 2018 | 0–1 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
9 June 2017 | 0–1 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
10 November 2016 | 0–3 | Brazil | 2018 World Cup qualifier | ||
13 November 2015 | 1–1 | Draw | 2018 World Cup qualifier | ||
12 October 2014 | 2–0 | Brazil | Superclásico de las Américas | ||
21 November 2012 | 2–1 [note 1] | Argentina | Superclásico de las Américas | ||
19 September 2012 | 2–1 | Brazil | Superclásico de las Américas | ||
9 June 2012 | 4–3 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
28 September 2011 | 2–0 | Brazil | Superclásico de las Américas | ||
14 September 2011 | 0–0 | Draw | Superclásico de las Américas | ||
17 November 2010 | 1–0 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
5 September 2009 | 3–1 | Brazil | 2010 World Cup qualifier | ||
18 June 2008 | 0–0 | Draw | 2010 World Cup qualifier | ||
15 July 2007 | 3–0 | Brazil | 2007 Copa América | ||
3 September 2006 | 3–0 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
29 June 2005 | 4–1 | Brazil | 2005 Confederations Cup | ||
8 June 2005 | 3–1 | Argentina | World Cup 2006 Qualifier | ||
25 July 2004 | 2(2) – 2(4) | Draw-Brazil won on penalties | 2004 Copa América | ||
2 June 2004 | 3–1 | Brazil | 2006 World Cup qualifier | ||
5 September 2001 | 2–1 | Argentina | 2002 World Cup qualifier | ||
26 July 2000 | 3–1 | Brazil | 2002 World Cup qualifier | ||
7 September 1999 | 4–2 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
4 September 1999 | 2–0 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
11 July 1999 | 2–1 | Brazil | 1999 Copa América | ||
29 April 1998 | 0-1 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
8 November 1995 | 1–0 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
17 July 1995 | 2(4) – 2(2) | Draw-Brazil won on penalties | 1995 Copa América | ||
23 March 1994 | 2–0 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
27 June 1993 | 1(6) – 1(5) | Draw-Argentina won on penalties | 1993 Copa América | ||
18 February 1993 | 1–1 | Draw | Friendly | ||
17 July 1991 | 3–2 | Argentina | 1991 Copa América | ||
27 June 1991 | 1–1 | Draw | Friendly | ||
27 March 1991 | 3–3 | Draw | Friendly | ||
24 June 1990 | 1–0 | Argentina | 1990 World Cup | ||
12 July 1989 | 2–0 | Brazil | 1989 Copa América | ||
10 July 1988 | 0–0 | Draw | 1988 Gold Cup | ||
5 May 1985 | 2–1 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
17 June 1984 | 0–0 | Draw | Friendly | ||
14 September 1983 | 0–0 | Draw | 1983 Copa América | ||
24 August 1983 | 1–0 | Argentina | 1983 Copa América | ||
2 July 1982 | 3–1 | Brazil | 1982 World Cup | ||
4 January 1981 | 1–1 | Draw | 1980 Mundialito | ||
23 August 1979 | 2–2 | Draw | 1979 Copa América | ||
2 August 1979 | 2–1 | Brazil | 1979 Copa América | ||
18 June 1978 | 0–0 | Draw | 1978 World Cup | ||
19 May 1976 | 2–0 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
27 February 1976 | 2–1 | Brazil | Atlantic Cup | ||
16 August 1975 | 1–0 | Brazil | 1975 Copa América | ||
6 August 1975 | 2–1 | Brazil | 1975 Copa América | ||
30 June 1974 | 2–1 | Brazil | 1974 World Cup | ||
31 July 1971 | 2–2 | Draw | Roca Cup | ||
28 July 1971 | 1–1 | Draw | Roca Cup | ||
8 March 1970 | 2–1 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
4 March 1970 | 2–0 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
11 August 1968 | 3–2 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
7 August 1968 | 4–1 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
9 June 1965 | 0–0 | Draw | Friendly | ||
7 September 1964 | 3–0 | Brazil | Friendly | ||
3 June 1964 | 3–0 | Argentina | Nations Cup | ||
16 April 1963 | 5–2 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
13 April 1963 | 3–2 | Argentina | Roca Cup | ||
24 March 1963 | 3–0 | Argentina | 1963 Copa América | ||
3 February 1962 | 0–0 | Draw | SA NOVOS | ||
12 July 1960 | 5–1 | Brazil | Atlantic Cup | ||
29 May 1960 | 4–1 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
26 May 1960 | 4–2 | Argentina | Roca Cup | ||
20 March 1960 | 1–0 | Brazil | Panamerican Cup | ||
13 March 1960 | 2–1 | Argentina | Panamerican Cup | ||
22 December 1959 | 4–1 | Argentina | 1959 Copa América | ||
4 April 1959 | 1–1 | Draw | 1959 Copa América | ||
10 July 1957 | 2–0 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
7 July 1957 | 2–1 | Argentina | Roca Cup | ||
3 April 1957 | 3–0 | Argentina | 1957 Sudamericano | ||
5 December 1956 | 2–1 | Argentina | Friendly | ||
8 July 1956 | 0–0 | Draw | Atlantic Cup | ||
18 March 1956 | 2–2 | Draw | Panamerican Cup | ||
5 February 1956 | 1–0 | Brazil | 1956 Sudamericano | ||
10 February 1946 | 2–0 | Argentina | 1946 Sudamericano | ||
23 December 1945 | 3–1 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
20 December 1945 | 6–2 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
16 December 1945 | 4–3 | Argentina | Roca Cup | ||
15 February 1945 | 3–1 | Argentina | 1945 Sudamericano | ||
17 January 1942 | 2–1 | Argentina | 1942 Sudamericano | ||
17 March 1940 | 5–1 | Argentina | Roca Cup | ||
10 March 1940 | 3–2 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
5 March 1940 | 6–1 | Argentina | Roca Cup | ||
25 February 1940 | 4–0 | Brazil | Roca Cup | ||
18 February 1940 | 2–2 | Draw | Roca Cup | ||
22 January 1939 | 1–5 | Argentina | Roca Cup | 9–4–8 BRA | |
15 January 1939 | 3–2 | Argentina | Roca Cup | 8–4–8 | |
1 February 1937 | 2–0 | Brazil | 1937 Sudamericano | 8–4–7 BRA | |
30 January 1937 | 4–0 | Brazil | 1937 Sudamericano | 7–4–7 | |
25 December 1925 | 2–2 | Draw | 1925 Sudamericano | 7–4–6 ARG | |
13 December 1925 | 4–1 | Argentina | 1925 Sudamericano | 7–3–6 ARG | |
9 December 1923 | 2–0 | Argentina | Roca Cup | 6–3–6 | |
2 December 1923 | 2–0 | Brazil | Copa Confraternidad | 6–3–5 BRA | |
18 November 1923 | 2–1 | Argentina | 1923 Sudamericano | 5–3–5 | |
22 October 1922 | 2–2 | Draw | Roca Cup | 5–3–4 BRA | |
15 October 1922 | 2–0 | Brazil | 1922 Sudamericano | 5–2–4 BRA | |
2 October 1921 | 1–0 | Argentina | 1921 Sudamericano | 4–2–4 | |
12 October 1920 | 3–1 | Argentina | Friendly | 4–2–3 BRA | |
25 September 1920 | 2–0 | Argentina | 1920 Sudamericano | 4–2–2 BRA | |
1 June 1919 | 3–3 | Draw | Friendly | 3–2–2 BRA | |
18 May 1919 | 3–1 | Brazil | 1919 Sudamericano | 3–1–2 BRA | |
3 October 1917 | 4–2 | Argentina | 1917 Sudamericano | 2–1–2 | |
27 September 1916 | 0-1 | brazil | Roca Cup | 2–1–1 ARG | |
10 July 1916 | 1–1 | Draw | 1916 Sudamericano | 2–1–0 ARG | |
27 September 1914 | 1–0 | Argentina | Roca Cup | 2–0–0 ARG | |
20 September 1914 | 3–0 | Argentina | Friendly | 1–0–0 ARG |
- Notes
- Brazil won 4–3 on penalties after a 3–3 draw on aggregate.
Pelé–Maradona rivalry
Among the elite group of players football fans consider as contenders for the title, best player of all time, Brazil's Pelé and Argentina's Diego Maradona are probably the most famous, and generally dominate polls on the subject. Some of their fellow countrymen also feature regularly in such debates. The next most notable pair are perhaps Garrincha (Brazilian) and Alfredo Di Stéfano (Argentine). The most dominant figures from the two countries in the modern game are Neymar (Brazilian) and Lionel Messi (Argentine). Both Pelé and Maradona have declared Neymar and Messi their respective "successors".
However, the over-riding discussion about which of Pelé and Maradona is the greater has proved to be never-ending. Even though most consider them as the best players of their own times, many consider the comparison between them useless, as they played during incomparable eras and in different leagues.[7] The debate between the pair has been described as "the rivalry of their countries in microcosm".[8]
Pelé was given the title "Athlete of the Century" by the International Olympic Committee.[9] In 1999, Time magazine named Pelé one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century.[10] Also, he was elected Football Player of the Century, by France Football's Golden Ball Winners in 1999, Football Player of the Century, by IFFHS International Federation of Football History and Statistics, 1999, South America Football Player of the Century, by IFFHS International Federation of Football History and Statistics. Pelé's 1281 goals are recognized by FIFA as the highest total achieved by a professional footballer, although the Soccer Statistic Foundation (rssf) recognizes only 767 goals in official mode, occupying the third place after Josef Bican (805) and Romario (772). For his part, Maradona has been named the best soccer player in World Cup history both by The Times[11] and FourFourTwo,[12] publication that also rewarded him as the "Best Football Player of All Time".[13] He was also elected as the "Greatest Athlete in History" by Corriere dello Sport – Stadio.[14]
The controversy reached a climax during the FIFA century awards in 2000, in which Maradona was voted Player of the Century in an official internet poll, garnering 53.6% of the votes against 18.53% for Pelé. Shortly before the ceremony, FIFA unexpectedly decided to add a second award and appointed a "Football Family" committee composed of football journalists that gave to Pelé the title of best player of the century to make it a draw. This move was criticized in Argentina, that suspected Pelé was rewarded for his constant support of FIFA, in contrast to Maradona's frequent criticism.[15] Others believe that FIFA was considering issues other than football, notably Maradona's drug problem. Maradona left the ceremony right after receiving his award and before Pelé was given his.[16]
In another internet poll that took place in 2002, Maradona received another award from FIFA, as one of his goals was selected as the World Cup Goal of the Century. One of Pelé's goals received third place, while Maradona had a second goal selected as fourth.[17]
In spite of their frequent confrontations,[18] usually through quotations by the media, Pelé was the guest star of Maradona's TV show La Noche del 10 ("The Night of the #10"), where they had a friendly chat and played a bout of headers.[19]
Famous players and football figures often give their opinion on the Maradona and Pelé rivalry, sometimes choosing one over the other.[20] Others prefer not to compare them, as they played in very different times. Perhaps one of the most reliable comparisons available is that by the Ballon d'Or winners (elected since 1956 by voters of several countries, and arguably greatest ones to properly appreciate both players). Pelé was elected Best Player of the Century for Ballon d'Or winners and Maradona was the runner-up.[21]
Pelé–Maradona personal statistics
Criteria | Pelé | Maradona |
---|---|---|
Playing position | Forward | Attacking midfielder |
National team appearances | 91 | 91 |
Goals scored for national team | 77 | 34 |
World Cup wins playing | 1958, 1962, 1970 | 1986 |
Total goals scored | 767 | 359 |
Total matches played | 831 | 703 |
Average goals scored per match | 0.923 | 0.511 |
Club titles |
|
|
Individual titles |
|
|
Incidents and historical matches
1925 incident
For the 1925 Copa América, Argentina and Brazil played the final match at Sportivo Barracas Stadium, on Christmas Day. The unusual date was not an obstacle to drawing a crowd of more than 30,000 people. In a crowded stadium, the match started in a tense atmosphere: at 27 minutes Lagarto intercepted a back pass by Ludovico Bidoglio and passed the ball to Arthur Friedenreich, who beat Américo Tesoriere with a strong shot. It was 1-0 for the Brazilians. Three minutes later, Nilo scored the second for the canarinha. The crowd was astonished, because if the Brazilian lead was maintained, a new match had to be played to determinate the champion. Before completing the first half, a dangerous counterattack by the visitors was stopped by Ramón Muttis with a strong foul on Friedenreich, who in turn, reacted with a kick. The Argentine responded with a punch at the Brazilian's face, and the incident unleashed a buzz among several players and also with some spectators who invaded the pitch. The game was suspended, and only resumed - without a sending-off - after a hug between Friedenreich and Muttis that sealed a truce. However, the incident made a dent in the Brazilian players and the match changed course: at the end of the first half Antonio Cerrotti reduced the deficit and opened the road to recovery. The equaliser came ten minutes into the second half through Manuel Seoane. The match ended tied 2–2, and Argentina won its second Copa America in history in a rugged match against Brazil. The incidents did not go unnoticed in Brazil and some local newspapers referred to the game as "The Barracas' War".[22] Because of this match, Argentina and Brazil did not play-officially again for 11 years.
1937 incident
In the South American Championship 1937 (currently Copa América), the rivalry between both teams was already something of national pride. There were verbal confrontations between both parties, and Argentine fans often taunted the Brazilians by calling them macaquitos and making monkey sounds.[23] The final match, held in Buenos Aires, was played between the two sides and was goalless after 90 minutes. In extra time, Argentina scored two goals. Questioning one of the goals and fearful for their own safety, the Brazilian players decided to leave the stadium before the match was officially finished. The Brazilian press has since called this match "jogo da vergonha" ("the shame game").[24] Argentina won, 2–0, and was South American champion again.
1939 incident
In 1939, there were two matches between Argentina and Brazil, both of them in Rio de Janeiro and for the Roca Cup. The first one, held in January, ended 5–1 to Argentina.
A second match was held only one week later, with the Brazilian team seeking revenge for the previous defeat. The match was vibrating; first Brazil went ahead 1–0, then Argentina recovered to lead 1–2, and Brazil then drew level at 2–2. Shortly before the end of the match the referee, the same as in the previous match, gave a penalty to Brazil. Furious, Argentina player Arcadio López verbally attacked the referee and had to be escorted out of the pitch by police. The Argentine team, enraged by the actions of the referee and the police, left the pitch. The penalty that gave Brazil the 3–2 victory was scored without a goalkeeper, because the entire Argentine team had already walked off the pitch.[24]
1945 and 1946 incidents
In the 1945 match that Brazil won by six goals to two, young Brazilian Ademir Menezes fractured Argentine Batagliero's leg. Though it seemed to be only an unfortunate accident, the game was played roughly and sometimes violently.
A few months later, the South American Championship 1946 final again involved Argentina and Brazil. There was a large media coverage, and the conviction that it would be a rough match. Twenty-eight minutes after the beginning, when both teams went for a free ball, Brazilian Jair Rosa Pinto fractured Argentine captain José Salomón's tibia and fibula. General disorder ensued, with Argentine and Brazilian players fighting on the pitch with the police. The public invaded the pitch and both teams had to go to the dressing rooms. After order was restored the game continued, and Argentina won the match 2–0. Salomón never recovered completely nor played professional football after the incident.[25]
1978 World Cup ("The Battle of Rosario")
The Group B of the second round was essentially a battle between Argentina and Brazil, and it was resolved in controversial circumstances. In the first round of group games, Brazil beat Peru 3–0 while Argentina saw off Poland 2–0. Brazil and Argentina then played out a tense and violent goalless draw – also known as "A Batalha de Rosário" ("The Battle of Rosario"), so both teams went into the last round of matches with three points. Argentina had an advantage that their match against Peru kicked off several hours after Brazil's match with Poland. Brazil won their match 3–1, so Argentina could know that they had to beat Peru by four clear goals to go through to the final. Argentina managed it with what some saw as a suspicious degree of ease. Trailing 2–0 at half-time, Peru simply collapsed in the second half, and Argentina eventually won 6–0. Rumours suggested that Peru might have been somehow illicitly induced not to try too hard (especially because the Peruvian goalkeeper, Ramón Quiroga, was born in Argentina); but nothing could be proved, and Argentina met the Netherlands in the final. Brazil, denied a final place by Argentina's 6–0 win over Peru, took third place from an enterprising Italy side and were dubbed "moral champions" by coach Cláudio Coutinho, because they did not win the tournament but did not lose a single match either.
1982 World Cup
Group C, a "group of death" with Brazil, Argentina and Italy, that World Cup history was made. In the opener, Italy prevailed 2–1 over Argentina. Argentina now needed a win over Brazil on the second day, but they were no match, as the Brazilians' attacking game, characterised by nimble, one-touch passing on-the-run, eclipsed the reigning world champions. The final score of 3–1 – Argentina only scoring in the last minute – could have been much higher had Brazil centre-forward Serginho not wasted a series of near-certain scoring opportunities. Frustrated because of the poor refereeing and the imminent loss, Diego Maradona kicked Brazilian player Batista and received a straight red card.
1990 World Cup (The "holy water" scandal)
The last time both teams met in a World Cup match was in 1990, which featured Argentina defeating Brazil 1–0 with a goal from Claudio Caniggia after a pass from Diego Maradona. The end of the match was controversial, however, with Brazilian player Branco accusing the Argentina training staff of giving him a bottle of water laced with tranquillizers while they were tending to an injured player. Years later, Maradona admitted the truth on an Argentine television show, saying that Branco had been given "holy water". The Argentine Football Association and the team coach of the time, Carlos Bilardo, denied that the "holy water" incident ever took place,[26][27] though prior to the previous denial Bilardo said of Branco's allegation: "I'm not saying it didn't happen."[28]
1991 Copa América match
Argentina defeated Brazil 3–2 in Santiago in the first match of the final pool. Five players were sent off: Claudio Caniggia and Mazinho after tangling in the 31st minute; Carlos Enrique and Márcio Santos for another fight in the 61st minute, with one player leaving on a stretcher; and Careca Bianchezi in the 80th minute, two minutes after coming on as a substitute.[29]
1993 Copa América match
Argentina and Brazil finished 1–1 at the 8/final match, played in Guayaquil. Brazil started winning the game, but Leonardo Rodríguez drew with the head after a corner kick at the second part. In penalties, Los Gauchos defeated 5–4 and advanced to the quarter-finals. Argentina finally won the Copa América title after defeating Mexico in the final.
1995 Copa América match
Held in Uruguay, the two nations met at the quarter-finals stage on 17 July 1995. The Brazilian Túlio became famous for scoring a late equalizer five minutes from time after controlling the ball with his left arm. Despite the obvious foul, the referee, Alberto Tejada Noriega of Peru, claimed he did not see the incident and the goal therefore stood. The game finished with a 2–2 draw and Brazil went on to win on penalties. The Argentine media labeled the incident as the "hand of the devil",[30] a reference to the controversial goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup against England.
2004 Copa América
Argentina was winning 2–1, but in a spectacular turn of events, Adriano scored a goal in the last minute of the match, taking the match to penalties, where Brazil won with Júlio César stopping an impossible shot from Andrés D'Alessandro. Brazil was playing with its second-string team and this victory could be considered an underdog one.
2005 Confederations Cup Final
In 2005, Brazil and Argentina participated in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. Brazil entered the competition as the reigning World Cup champions at the time. Since Brazil had also won the Copa América the previous year, however, Copa runners-up Argentina was allowed to participate in the tournament to take up the vacated berth. In the semi-finals, Brazil eliminated host nation Germany, while Argentina eliminated Mexico. This competition was the first time the two rivals would meet in a final game of a tournament sponsored by FIFA. In a surprising turn of events, the Brazilian team won the game easily, thrashing the Argentines 4–1. Adriano scored twice for Brazil, along with Kaká and Ronaldinho, while Pablo Aimar scored Argentina's only goal.
2007 Copa América
Brazil defeated Argentina 3–0 in Maracaibo, Venezuela, at the final pool. Goals by Júlio Baptista, an own goal by Roberto Ayala, Dani Alves.
2008 Summer Olympics – Beijing
Defending champions Argentina and Brazil met on 19 August in the semifinal game of the Summer Olympics. The game, billed as a tête-à-tête between Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, Barcelona teammates, was in the end a hard-fought clash between two historic rivals, marred by numerous fouls and two ejections for Brazil. Argentina convincingly won with a score of 3–0, and went on to beat Nigeria 1–0 in the final, being the first in obtaining two consecutive gold medals in football in 40 years and the third overall after the Olympic teams of the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Brazil eventually won the gold medal at the Olympics themselves playing at home in 2016.
Club level official titles comparison
Competition | Argentina | Brazil |
---|---|---|
FIFA Club World Cup | 0 | 4 |
Intercontinental Cup (d) | 9 | 6 |
Copa Libertadores | 25 | 19 |
Copa Sudamericana | 8 | 4 |
Copa CONMEBOL (d)[31] | 3 | 5 |
Copa Mercosur (d) | 1 | 3 |
Supercopa Sudamericana (d) | 6 | 3 |
Recopa Sudamericana | 9 | 11 |
Copa Interamericana (d) | 7 | 0 |
Copa de Oro Nicolás Leoz (d) | 1 | 2 |
Copa Master de Supercopa (d) | 1 | 1 |
Copa Master de CONMEBOL (d) | 0 | 1 |
Supercopa de Campeones Intercontinentales (d) | 0 | 1 |
Campeonato Sudamericano de Campeones (d) | 0 | 1 |
Suruga Bank Cup | 3 | 2 |
Total | 73 | 63 |
- Note: d = discontinued
Copa Libertadores de America
In the history of this tournament, played since 1960, only twice has a Brazilian team captured a title on Argentine soil. In 1963, Brazilian side Santos defeated the most popular Argentine club, Boca Juniors, and in 2017, when Grêmio defeated Club Atlético Lanús . However, the same Argentine club team, Boca Juniors, has celebrated three of its six titles on Brazilian soil, defeating Palmeiras in 2000, Santos in 2003 and Grêmio in 2007. The two greatest Argentine and Brazilian players that have ever played this sport had at one point played in these same two clubs: Pelé for Santos while Diego Maradona had done the same for Boca Juniors. It has been reported that in all three of Boca Juniors' victories on Brazilian soil, Boca's players were not allowed to properly sleep in their hotel rooms the night before their final matches because of the chaos and noise created by Brazilian fans outside the hotel rooms, who attempted to disrupt the Argentine players from performing to their best of their abilities the following day.
In the international arena, the most successful Argentine clubs are Boca Juniors (six Libertadores and three Intercontinental Cups), Independiente (seven Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups), Estudiantes de La Plata (four Libertadores and one Intercontinental Cup), River Plate (four Libertadores and one Intercontinental Cup), Vélez Sársfield (one Libertadores and one Intercontinental), San Lorenzo (one Libertadores, one Copa Mercosur and one Copa Sudamericana), Argentinos Juniors (one Libertadores) and Racing Club (one Libertadores and one Intercontinental Cup).
The most successful Brazilian clubs are São Paulo (three Libertadores, one FIFA Club World Cup and two Intercontinental Cups), Santos (three Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups), Grêmio (three Libertadores and one Intercontinental Cup), Internacional (two Libertadores and one FIFA Club World Cup), Cruzeiro (two Libertadores), Corinthians (one Libertadores and two FIFA Club World Cups), Flamengo, (two Libertadores, one Copa Mercosur, one Copa de Oro, one Recopa and one Intercontinental Cup), Vasco da Gama (one Libertadores, one South American Championship of Champions and one Copa Mercosur), Atlético Mineiro (one Libertadores and two Copa Conmebol) and Palmeiras (one Libertadores and one Copa Mercosur).
Women's football
The Brazil women's national team is a successful women's football team, though not as successful as the men's counterpart. It was runner-up in the FIFA Women's World Cup of 2007, and won a silver medal at the Olympic games in 2004 and 2008. In comparison, Argentina does not have a professional (or even semi-professional) women's football league; the members of the Argentina women's national football team are all amateur players despite their clubs often being affiliated with prominent men's professional clubs. Although the two teams usually have to battle for the top qualification spots for CONMEBOL when the World Cup qualification comes around, this rivalry does not provide the passion that men's matches encounter yet.
Brazil won every game of the Sudamericano Femenino against Argentina until the 2006 edition, when Argentina finally beat them 2–0 in the final group stage, awarding Argentina the championship. Argentina did not participate in the 1991 South American competition and was second to Brazil in the following three tournaments. Beginning with the 2003 edition, both champion and runner-up qualified for the World Cup. As Argentina has not been past the group stages in the World Cup, the two teams have not met in the Olympic Football Tournament yet.
See also
- Roca Cup
- Superclásico de las Américas
- Argentina national football team head to head
- Brazil national football team all-time record
- Argentina–Brazil relations
References
- Argentina - Brasil, clásico por excelencia by Eduardo Cántaro on Télam, 29 Sep 2014
- "Argentina in Brazil - The essence of football rivalry". fifa.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 6 June 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- Duke, Greg. "Top 10 international rivalries". CNN. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
- at FIFA
- http://www.rsssf.com/tables/37safull.html#final
- at Fifa. Last retrieved 17 November 2010.
- CNNSI – "The Maradona-Pele furor". Last retrieved 31 May 2006.
- Miller, Nick (9 October 2015). "The 10 greatest rivalries in international football". espnfc.co.uk. ESPN FC. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- "Pelé still in global demand". CNN Sports Illustrated. 29 May 2002. Retrieved 30 May 2008.
- Kissinger, Henry (1 April 2010). "The 2010 Time 100 Poll". Time. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-no1-diego-maradona
- http://www.tifonapoli.it/cds-maradona-meglio-di-tutti-batte-anche-valentino-rossi/
- CNNSI – "The great FIFA swindle". Last retrieved 31 May 2006.
- CNNSI – "Split decision: Pele, Maradona each win FIFA century awards after feud" Last retrieved 31 May 2006.
- CNNSI – "Feud leads FIFA to name two players of the century". Last retrieved 31 May 2006.
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- https://viejosestadios.blogspot.com/p/sportivo-barracas.html#Sudamericano_1925
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- "The Rivalry: Brazil X Argentina". netvasco.com. Retrieved 13 May 2008.
- Museo Dos Deportes – "O dia do desespero entre Brasil e Argentina" Archived 1 October 2002 at the Wayback Machine (in Portuguese). Last retrieved 31 May 2006.
- Davison, Phil (15 March 2005). "Football: The Maradona diet: a gastric bypass, holy water and a pinch of salt". The Independent. London. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- (in Spanish) http://www.laultima.com/noticia.php?id=11179&seccion=F%C3%BAtbol&idcategoria=7 Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- Bellos, Alex (21 January 2005). "Brazil revive drug row after 15 years". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
- Copa América 1991 Final Pool – from RSSSF.
- The hand of the devil still rankles as the Copa reaches its climax.
- Rsssf.com Archived 1 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Argentina–Brazil football rivalry. |
- (in Portuguese) Brazil vs. Argentina rivalry
- Argentina vs. Brazil statistics by RSSSF
- Argentina vs. Brazil September 5 2009 results