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The two biggest teams of South America will go head to head when Argentina host Brazil in their World Cup 2022 CONMEBOL Qualifier on Tuesday. Their last meeting in the World Cup Qualifiers was abandoned due to a breach of COVID-related protocols.
The visitors, Brazil, who have picked up 34 points from a possible 36, are at the top of the table. Thanks to their imperious record in the competition, Brazil have already qualified for next year’s showpiece event in Qatar.
Argentina, on the other hand, currently trail Brazil by six points and are in second position. A positive result on Tuesday night would guarantee a top-four finish for the hosts, but Brazil are unlikely to be very cooperative
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With plenty of world-beaters set to feature, the clash between the two goliaths promises plenty of action and drama.
Here are our top five predictions for the World Cup qualifying clash in Argentina:
#5 Fabinho to impress in the absence of Casemiro
Real Madrid's central-defensive midfielder, Casemiro, has been one of the first names on the team sheet for Tite for a while now. Brazil depended on his services in the crucial clash against Colombia and the Liverpool star did not disappoint.
Unfortunately, he also picked up a booking late in the game, which guaranteed a suspension for him due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
With Casemiro ruled out, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho could get the nod to anchor Brazil's midfield. Fabinho’s defensive attributes are well documented and we expect him to shine in national colors this Tuesday.
His passing range could help Brazil maintain a comfortable tempo and stop Argentina’s impressive midfielders from having a field day.
#4 A cagey first half on the cards at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario
Brazil and Argentina are two of the most talented, technically astute teams in the world. Neither team fancy giving the other even an inch of ground, meaning they could focus more on thwarting attacks instead of attacking themselves.
Both Tite and Lionel Scaloni are capable tacticians and know exactly how to keep the ball in their control. We believe they will take their time to measure each other up on Tuesday night. The game might even turn into a chess match in the opening half, but should open up in the second 45.
#3 Argentina to take the fight to Brazil
No team have beaten Argentina in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers yet, but La Albiceleste have been subjected to four frustrating stalemates. They will do their best not to add another draw to their tally.
Playing at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, Argentina will look for a memorable, morale-boosting win over Brazil in front of their supporters. Team captain Lionel Messi came on in the final stretch of Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay and should be fit to start.
Angel di Maria, who scored the winner against Uruguay, is also raring to go and should get the nod to start.
In their last competitive meeting, in the final of the Copa America, Argentina got the better of Brazil. Tuesday’s clash may not be as significant, but Argentina are likely to approach it with the same ferocity and hunger.
#2 Vinicius Jr to get a shot to impress
Thanks to their exceptional run of form in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, Tite’s Brazil have booked their ticket to Qatar. The Blue and Yellows have not only been imperious in front of goal, but they have also been the meanest team out there. Their great performances early in the campaign have won them some breathing room, giving them the opportunity to experiment.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. is one of those fringe players who deserves a shot at regularity. The natural left-winger has been Los Blancos’ second-best performer this season, only behind Karim Benzema, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.
The 21-year-old is also an excellent dribbler, has exceptionally quick feet, and can single-handedly influence the outcome of a match.
With Neymar ruled out with a thigh injury, Brazil need some inspiration from the left hand side. Vinicius, who looked at ease against Colombia in the last match, could be his perfect replacement.
#1 Argentina-Brazil game to end in a draw
Argentina and Brazil have fought each other a whopping 112 times. Brazil have won 46 games. Argentina, on the other hand, have come out on top 41 times.
The remaining 25 games ended with spoils shared. We believe the upcoming game will add to the final statistic.
We do expect the two teams to hit the back of the net at least once, but are not holding our breath for anything extraordinary on Tuesday.
We predict Brazil and Argentina will play out a 1-1 draw in their 2022 World Cup Qualifier.
