Historical Overview
- First Meeting: The first official match between Brazil and Argentina took place on September 20, 1914, with Argentina securing a 3-0 victory.
- Early Dominance: Argentina initially dominated the rivalry, but Brazil’s successes in the World Cups of 1958 and 1962 started shifting the dynamics.
- Dark Times and Controversies: The rivalry has seen periods of tension and controversy, such as the hiatus from 1925 to 1937 due to a violent Copa América final, and another ten-year gap following violent encounters in 1946. One notable incident occurred during the 1990 World Cup, where Brazilian player Branco accused an Argentina coach of lacing his water bottle with tranquilizers, an event later referred to by Maradona as “Holy Water.”
- Prominent Victories: Key victories in the rivalry include Argentina’s wins in the 1937 Copa América final, the 1978 World Cup, and the 2021 Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium. Brazil’s notable wins include two Copa América final victories in 2004 (via penalties) and 2007, and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup final where they defeated Argentina 4-1.
- Statistics: As of November 2023, the teams have met 110 times, with Brazil leading with 43 wins. The largest victory recorded was Argentina’s 6-1 win over Brazil in 1940.
Recent Encounters
The Brazil vs. Argentina football rivalry, known as the “Clásico del Atlántico” or “Superclásico de las Américas,” is one of the most intense in international football. This rivalry dates back to their first match on September 20, 1914, where Argentina defeated Brazil 3-0. As of November 21, 2023, the teams have faced each other 110 times, with Brazil holding a slight edge with 43 victories.[source]
FIFA describes this rivalry as the “essence of football rivalry,” and it’s no wonder, given the rich history and notable incidents that have occurred in their encounters. Both teams have been consistently ranked among the top ten national teams globally and have produced legendary players like Pelé, Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo. Their matches are characterized by high competitiveness, with a history of controversial and violent incidents. Notably, matches were suspended between 1925 and 1937 following a violent Copa América final, and after another violent encounter in 1946, they did not play against each other for ten years.[source]
In recent years, the matches have been relatively even, with both sides securing significant wins. For instance, Argentina’s notable victories include a 2–0 win in the 1937 Copa América final, a 1–0 victory over Brazil in the 1990 World Cup, and a 1–0 win in the 2021 Copa América final. Brazil’s significant victories include wins in two Copa América finals in 2004 and 2007 and a 4–1 triumph in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup final.[source]
The latest meeting between these teams was on November 21, 2023, during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Nicolas Otamendi’s header. This match, played in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium, was marked by its physicality and a significant delay due to violent clashes in the stands. Brazil was noted for their lack of control, committing 25 fouls, and eventually losing the game, leading to concerns about their performance in the qualifying rounds.[source][source]
The Brazil vs. Argentina rivalry continues to be a highlight in international football, showcasing some of the sport’s best talent and passion.
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