FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 Rivalries to keep an eye out for at the tournament 

Football matches get a whole lot better when the rivals meet. Of course, winning against the other teams also matters, but when you beat your rival, there is no better feeling.

Be it among the clubs or at the international level, the victory tastes sweeter when you overcome your rivals. Be it on the pitch or in the stands, the atmosphere is stronger, there is more tension and the stakes are definitely much higher.

It does not matter the geographical locations or the cultural differences or anything else, rivalries have been established over the years and will continue to play a part. Even if you are not a fan either of the teams, these matches can be equally enjoyable because of various reasons.

Depending on how the teams fair at the FIFA World Cup 2018, we could be in for a treat if we get to see some of the rivalries.

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#5 Argentina vs Uruguay

Both the sides have quite a rivalry

Matches between both these sides have always been competitive and most of the matches have gone down in the history due to aggressive incidents and controversial incidents, not only from the players but also from the fans.

The sides have met only twice in the World Cup with each claiming a victory. The best fixture between these two goes way back in the 1930 World Cup.

Argentina were leading 2-1 half-time of the World Cup final but Uruguay made a dramatic comeback and lifted the Cup after defeating Argentina 4-2.

While the Uruguay fans were busy celebrating, a mob threw rocks at the Uruguay embassy in Argentina.

Known as the Clasico del Rio de la Plata, Argentina have come out victorious thrice in the last five meetings. The sides will not meet in the group stages but a clash between these two could happen in the Quarter-Finals.

#4 England vs Germany

Germany have gotten the better of England on most occasions

Arguably the most important derby for the Three Lions, the sides have a lot of rivalries and history.

Germany have enjoyed a lot of success when it to the World Cup and have lifted the trophy four times. England, on the other hand, cannot boast of the same.

The Germans do not care as much as the English do about this rivalry but there have been some great encounters in the past.

While it is certain that these sides will not be meeting in the group stages, they could potentially meet in the Quarter-Finals. And that would be a feisty encounter.

#3 Argentina vs Brazil

Will Neymar and Messi face-off against each other this time?

Now, who wouldn't love to see this clash happening? Neymar on one side and Messi on the other, this fixture would be a mouth-watering clash.

Both the sides have met over 100 times in total with Brazil winning 44 times and Argentina winning 39 times. But sadly, the fans have not been able to see them clash at the biggest stage since the 1990 World Cup.

The matches have often been aggressive and the most famous one has to be at the 1982 World Cup. Brazil were dominating the game and this made Diego Maradona frustrated, and some of the referee's decision did not help the cause.

Maradona then laid a nasty kick on Batista and was rightly sent off and Brazil won 3-1.

With this World Cup probably being Messi's last, he would do all he can to win it, whereas Brazil have a superior squad when compared and are favourites to win the tournament. A semi-final clash could be a possibility.

#2 Portugal vs Spain

The winner of Spain versus Portugal could decide who will top Group B

Known as the Iberian Derby, this is one clash which we are guaranteed to witness as both the sides are in Group B.

And they are both favourites to go to the next round as the other two spots are filled up by Iran and Morocco. Only question is - who will top the group?

This is one of the oldest rivalries and dates back to 1921! Winner of tomorrow's game could well top the group and Spain were one of the favourites to win the Cup. Spain sure have a better squad of the two, but Portugal are no pushovers.

However, with the change in manager yesterday, many believe that Spain would crash out in the group stage itself.

#1 Messi vs Ronaldo

Their last World Cup?

This is one clash the world would love to see. On what could be their last World Cup appearance, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would both love to win the tournament for the first time.

Two of the best players on the planet right now, they have shared all the individual awards in the recent years.

They have won everything there is to win, individually and with their respective clubs. Only one trophy remains - the World Cup. The winner takes it all and possibly puts an end to the debate of who is better?

Neither of them is favourites in this tournament, but a potential clash between these two could happen in the Quarter-Finals. This would be one game you cannot miss!

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Are you excited to see these rivalries in this year's World Cup? Sound off in the comments section below!