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A matchup worthy of a final - that is what is in store for fans for the first semi-final of the ongoing 2019 Copa America as tournament hosts and favorites Brazil go up against Lionel Messi-led Argentina on Wednesday.
Both these heavyweight sides were unconvincing in their respective quarter-final matches. While Brazil couldn't score against Paraguay in regular time, only to progress 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shootout, Argentina failed to control large portions of the game, still managing a 2-0 win against Venezuela.
Arch rivals Brazil and Argentina are the two most successful South American sides in international football, with the Selecao having won a record 5 World Cups while the Albiceleste have two to their name.
Brazil slightly edge the all-time head-to-head record, having won 45 games to Argentina's 39 with 25 games ending as draws. While Argentina-Brazil matchups in the Copa America have been rare in the recent past, the last three such meetings have produced some great performances.
Let us take a closer look at the last three meetings between these giants in South America's premier continental competition:
#3 Brazil 2-1 Argentina (1999 Copa America semi-final)
The 1999 Copa America semi-final saw a star-studded Brazil team led by the Ronaldo-Ronaldinho-Rivaldo trident come up against an equally strong Argentina, headlined by Juan Roman Riquelme, Diego Simeone, Ariel Ortega, and Juan Pablo Aimar.
Juan Pablo Sorin gave the Albiceleste an early lead with his left-footed drive from outside the box deflecting off defender Serginho to beat Brazil goalkeeper Dida in the 10th minute.
The Selecao manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo managed to rally his troops, who restored parity in the 32nd minute, with Rivaldo curling in a splendid free kick.
In an intriguing match with momentum swinging back and forth between the two giants of the game, Brazil had the last laugh with the legendary Ronaldo lashing in a brilliant long-distance strike past Albiceleste goalkeeper German Burgos to clinch the game. Brazil went on to win the tournament, steamrolling Uruguay 3-0 in the final.
#2 Argentina 2-2 Brazil (2-4 after penalties) (2004 Copa America Final)
The 2004 Copa America final was a thrilling affair, with the game going into penalties after the teams remained deadlocked 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra time.
Despite sending out a relatively under-strength side without the likes of Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo, Brazil's young guns including Luis Fabiano and Adriano came good to secure the title for the Selecao.
Kily Gonzales gave the Albiceleste the lead with a 20th-minute penalty, only for it to be canceled out by a splendid header from Brazil's Luisao in the 45th minute.
Argentina seemed to have won it when winger Cesar Delgado scored in the 87th minute, only for Adriano to step up in the 3rd minute of extra time and score with a splendid volley to take the game to penalties.
Selecao goalkeeper Julio Cesar saved the first penalty from Andres D'Alessandro and Argentina's second penalty taker Gabriel Heinze skied his shot, enabling Brazil to secure the cup 4-2 in the shootout.
#1 Brazil 3-0 Argentina (2007 Copa America final)
Manager Dunga opted to rest most of his first team regulars owing to a loaded European season. The 1994 World Cup winner left out stars like Ronaldinho and Kaka and placed his faith in young blood like Robinho, Elano, Vagner Love, and Julio Baptista.
Argentina, on the other hand, were at full strength with a squad that included Juan Riquelme, a young Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Juan Sebastian Veron, and Carlos Tevez.
Brazil's young guns gave the experienced Argentine side a resounding hiding with a 3-0 win. Julio Baptista opened the scoring with a sensational long ranger right in the 4th minute.
Argentine defender Roberto Ayala turned a teasing Dani Alves cross into his own net to double Brazil's lead in the 40th minute and the Selecao capped off a dominant win with Alves again finishing off a rapid counter in the 69th minute.
