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Argentina are one step closer to securing their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals. Before they can earn that place, they face the in-form Brazil at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario on Tuesday.
The previous encounter between the two footballing giants was postponed in bizarre circumstances in September. After a few minutes in the match, Brazilian health officials came on the pitch to remove four Argentinian players. They accused the players of not following the Covid protocols.
The match was eventually suspended. So this game assumes even greater significance.
Brazil have secured their passage into the main event following their 1-0 win over Colombia last time around. It remains to be seen whether Tite chooses to rest his key players for the high-profile clash against Argentina.
Lionel Messi to start for Argentina
Lionel Messi was limited to a 15-minute cameo in Argentina's 1-0 win over Uruguay. However, he has been given the green light to start here, which will be a talking point from the game.
Both teams rely on their attacking flair on the pitch but have also had the best defensive record of the campaign. The game should make for an interesting watch.
The two sides are gearing up for what promises to be a great footballing contest. So here we take a look at the five key battles to watch out for in the game.
#5 Rodrigo De Paul vs Casemiro
Rodrigo De Paul has is a creative midfielder but has also played well in a box-to-box role for Argentina. Though he has not seen much involvement in front of goal, his effort in the middle of the pitch has not gone unnoticed.
He is effective in shielding the back four and also a good conductor to get the ball from the defensive third to the final third. His position in the formation will pit him directly against Casemiro.
Casemiro is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and has quite a few defensive tricks up his sleeve. His tough-tackling style will be a challenge to the Argentina midfielder's creativity. This will also be the first meeting between the two players who will also square off in La Liga later this season.
#4 Angel Di Maria vs Marquinhos
Teammates at PSG, Angel Di Maria and Maquinhos will be pitted against one another on Tuesday. Di Maria's pace and wicked left foot will make him one of the most dangerous wingers on the pitch on Tuesday. He scored the winning goal against Uruguay and should be a player to watch out for Brazil.
While that was just his first goal of the tournament, it was just a glimpse of what the former Manchester United player is capable of. Argentina could rely on him if Messi's involvement is again curtailed by precautionary measures due to his knee injury.
Marquinhos has helped Brazil keep a tight ship at the back and has featured in 10 of the 12 games for Selecao. He has also been a good addition in front of goal and has already found the back of the net twice. Having trained with Di Maria for a long time now, he will be hoping to keep him in check.
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#3 Guido Rodríguez vs Lucas Paqueta
Brazil have produced some fine midfielders over the years and one player who is looking to join the ranks is Lucas Paqueta. The AC Milan midfielder has cemented his place in the Selecao starting lineup. He has impressive distribution skills and ability to contribute on either half of the pitch.
He has scored two goals this campaign, including the winning goal against Colombia on Friday. His ability to operate anywhere across the middle of the pitch makes him a tricky player to track.
Guido Rodriguez is probably the only pure defensive midfielder in the Argentina squad currently. There will be a lot of responsibility on his shoulders to ensure Brazil do not dance their way through to the goal. He has a physical presence on the pitch and has a knack for tackling.
#2 Cristian Romero vs Neymar
Neymar has hit a purple patch with Brazil in their qualifying campaign. He has had a huge part in making them the first team from the CONMEBOL qualifiers to seal a spot in the World Cup finals.
He has seven goals and eight assists to his name, meaning he has been involved in 15 of 27 goals for Brazil this campaign. The PSG star will be the biggest threat for Argentina on the pitch and needs to be kept in check.
Argentina have a good defensive record and one of the first players that comes to mind is Tottenham Hotspur's, Cristian Romero. He has been solid in his displays with the national team as they have managed to concede just six goals so far. All of his positional awareness and tackling prowess will be put to the test against Neymar.
#1 Lionel Messi vs Thiago Silva
Lionel Messi has not been highly prolific in front of goal for his club but has played well for Argentina. He has featured in all of the qualifying games for Argentina and is expected to play a great part against Brazil. He has six goals to his name so far. He will be hoping to add more to his tally and a goal against Brazil will look good.
Brazil's defense is being led by veteran Thiago Silva, who has been a rock at the back. He wears the captain's armband every time he starts on the pitch. His battle with Argentina captain Messi makes for a fitting battle between the two captains.
