Brazil vs Argentina

Arena Pernambuco plays host to ‘Superclásico de las Américas’ as Brazil take on familiar foes Argentina in a highly anticipated 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Despite suffering H2H heartbreak in the Copa America 2021 grand final on home soil in July, Brazil must be full of confidence here after winning all six World Cup qualifying fixtures to date. Indeed, a 1-0 victory away to Chile a few days ago shows the Brazilians are unfazed by that loss to Argentina, making sure they stay unbeaten in the South American qualifiers since 2015. Adding to their supreme status, the ‘Seleção’ have won their last five World Cup qualifying games without conceding, which ties in with their eye-catching defensive form on home soil. The hosts have registered eight clean sheets in a row in World Cup home qualifiers since being penetrated by Colombia almost five years ago. But the absence of several key Premier League stars could prove costly here.

Meanwhile, Argentina secured a comfortable 3-1 away triumph over Venezuela last time out, as they continue to pick up steam after winning their first major title in 28 years. Alongside Brazil, the Argentines are the only South American nation yet to taste defeat in the ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign (W4, D3) despite failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three qualifiers on the trot. So ‘La Albiceleste’ will must be liking their chances of becoming the first nation to beat Brazil on their own turf in a World Cup qualifier. Additionally, head coach Lionel Scaloni is now unbeaten in his last 21 internationals in charge of Argentina since losing to Brazil of all teams in July 2019. But after scoring just twice in their previous four away World Cup qualifying H2Hs, the visitors should not get ahead of themselves yet.