By Alex Roberts
Final week, Lionel Scaloni’s aspect got here out 1-0 winners of their earlier qualifier towards Uruguay
due to a 68th minute purpose from Lyon’s Thiago Almada, conserving them on the summit of the CONMEBOL desk.
It was a combination of magic and luck that spared Brazilian blushes of their 2-1 win over Colombia. Deep in to stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior struck a hopeful shot from round 20 yards out, it took a deflection off Jefferson Lerma and ended up at the back of the web.
The elephant within the room
Argentina have loads of attacking expertise, however an absence of Messi could be detrimental for any membership or worldwide aspect, irrespective of his age. He was dominated out of this one after selecting up a groin harm throughout Inter Miami’s 2-1 MLS win over Atlanta United.
With Lautaro Martínez a significant doubt, having missed the win over Uruguay with a hamstring challenge, Julián Alvarez has been given the chance to be Argentina’s primary attacking risk for this worldwide break.
He impressed final day out, offering the help for Almada’s winner. Messi received’t be there ceaselessly, and it’ll take multiple participant to exchange him, however Alvarez has it in him to turn into a significant participant for the World Cup holders.
Blocking out the haters
Brazil boss Dorival Júnior has had loads of critics, most notably from the likes of Ronaldinho, however he was bullish after their win over Colombia, saying “time places everybody of their place.”
Dorival’s aspect have been undoubtedly higher than Colombia of their sport, however they didn’t precisely dominate. An early penalty and a few Vini Jr. magic have executed little to calm the voices of discontent, and Argentina are a special beast all collectively.
It might take a monumentally big collapse for the five-time World Champions to not qualify for the 2026 event, they presently sit third with 21 factors from their 13 video games.
It’s what they’ll do once they get there that has individuals involved.
Argentina’s new era
Scaloni seems to be trying to the longer term, calling Bologna duo Santiago Castro and Benjamín Domínquez as much as the senior crew for the primary time of their younger careers. Neither have made an look… but, however the likelihood to coach on the highest degree is simply as vital.
Como wonderkid Nico Paz obtained the decision final 12 months, offering an help in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia. Like the opposite two, alternatives have been exhausting to return by, however time is on his aspect.
Whether or not any of them characteristic towards Brazil is the large query. Their inclusion proves Scaloni know he can’t depend on the previous guard for for much longer. Their win in Qatar proved how close-knit the aspect have been, taking time over any potential rebuild is probably not such a foul factor.
Raphinha is a brand new man
Few may have predicted the season Raphinha would have. He’s been tearing it up for Hansi Flick’s free-scoring Barcelona aspect, and that unbelievable type is translating on the worldwide stage too.
He was the person of the match within the win over Colombia, and he’s Brazil’s prime purpose scorer and help supplier of their qualification marketing campaign to date. Dorival Júnior isn’t precisely identified for the Joga Bonito that made Brazil nearly invincible within the early 2000s, however he’s given the previous Leeds man an opportunity to shine.
Argentina’s defence is growing older, they nonetheless have Nicolás Otamendi knocking about. After all, expertise is vital, however having Raphinha operating at you within the type he’s in could be a take a look at for the perfect.
Prediction
Matches between these two international locations are often lots cagier than many might imagine, it’s an enormous rivalry and neither aspect ever needs to lose. That being stated, we reckon this one shall be a 1-1 draw.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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