It could be a night of celebration for Argentina tomorrow if they avoid defeat to arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires.
Last week’s win in Uruguay – courtesy of Thiago Almada’s wonderful goal – pushed Lionel Scaloni’s men to the brink of qualification for next summer’s World Cup finals as they seek to defend the crown they won in Qatar in 2022.
For these colors 🩵🤍 pic.twitter.com/MZM8jFfit6
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 22, 2025
Almada stepped up in a revamped forward line missing Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala to score the only goal in Montevideo.
Scaloni said afterwards: “We had some very important absentees but we have great players to go out on the field. The team is always more than just the names.”
Argentina may even qualify prior to the Brazil game if Bolivia fail to beat Uruguay in a fixture that kicks off four hours earlier.
Either way, La Albiceleste are in a very strong position, as are Brazil for whom the win over Colombia last week means they are almost certain to advance.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos said: “We knew how important this could be, after two draws, and our standing in the table.
“The win gave us a little tranquility but here in the national team we will never be satisfied simply because we won.”
Wolves midfielder Matheus Cunha could start against Argentina and he believes the two sides are very closely matched.
“I honest don’t think they are on a higher level,” he said. “I think they, on merit, have a lot of know-how because of the titles they have got. We have to respect that and recognise the good moment they are living.
“But I face an Argentine week in, week out – Enzo [Fernandez] or [Alexis] Mac Allister and I think we have a level as high as theirs.
“I don’t think they have an advantage because it’s 11 versus 11.”
The game needs no added spice but Raphinha has stoked the fires in an explosive interview with former Brazil striker Romario in which he said “f***” Argentina and said they would beat them “on and off the pitch if we have to”.
VINI JR., SENHORAS E SENHORES! 🤯
É o melhor do mundo, não tem jeito! 🇧🇷
ISSO É BRASIL! 💚💛
🎥 CBF TV pic.twitter.com/63dh9XkZhf
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 22, 2025
Team News for Argentina v Brazil
Argentina have lost winger Nico Gonzalez to suspension following the substitute’s late dismissal against Uruguay. Scaloni could name the same side that showed plenty of grit against Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
Brazil also have suspension issues with Arsenal defender Gabriel and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes banned. Gerson and Alisson are unavailable through injury.
Predicted lineups for Argentina v Brazil
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Paredes, Fernandez; Simeone, Almada, Alvarez
Brazil: Bento; Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, Guilherme Arana; Andre, Joelinton, Rodrygo; Raphinha, Savinho, Vinicius Jr
How to watch Argentina v Brazil: TV and streaming options
You can watch the game in the UK on Premier Sports. Kick off is at midnight Tuesday into Wednesday and the coverage starts at 11.55pm.
It can be streamed on the Premier Sports app.
The Stats for Argentina v Brazil
- In 26 of the last 28 Argentina home matches in World Cup qualifying, the total number of goals was under 3.5
- In 11 of the last 12 Brazil matches in World Cup qualifying, the total number of goals was under 3.5
- Argentina are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Brazil, winning three
- Nine of the last 10 meetings have produced under 2.5 goals
Prediction for Argentina v Brazil
These games are usually full of passion but strangely lacking in quality given the players on show.
The lack of Messi means Brazil will be confident although Argentina were excellent without him against Uruguay.
We fancy a tight game in which the sides could cancel each other out. A draw suits both so that’s what we’re going for.
Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Brazil
