In a rivalry that has seen everything – from blood and tears to giants of football going toe to toe – Brazil vs Argentina is one of the most storied in international football.
With a World Cup semi-final in sight, the two sides are set to renew their epic rivalry on the biggest stage for 32 years. For both Argentina and Brazil, it could be a golden opportunity.
Origins
Throughout their history, the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina has been fraught with controversy. They have clashed over referees, broken legs, and fights on the pitch.
The origins of the rivalry can be traced back to a time when Portuguese and Spanish conquistadors competed in the Rio de la Plata basin. Their ambitions to conquer new land for their respective crowns resulted in numerous territorial disputes that remained unresolved for centuries.
Though these unresolved issues did not lead to open hostility between the two countries, their relationship was always strained. In fact, their most tense period was during military dictatorships and the Falklands War in 1982.
In recent decades, the rivalry has been largely resolved by local cooperation. Nevertheless, it remains a passion that has not yet been tamed by geographical boundaries.
Highlights
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is one of the most storied in world football. It has spanned over three decades and produced some memorable matches.
Among the highlights of that rivalry are the famous Brazilian “hand of the devil” goal in 1990 and Zico’s heroics in 1982. But the best match of all is arguably the 1995 quarter-final clash between Argentina and Brazil, in Uruguay.
It was a tense and physical clash that was marred by several fouls and a couple of ejections for both teams. It ended with a 2-2 draw and a penalty shootout win for Brazil.
Today, we’re in a quarter-final that should be a feast of contrasting styles. Gab and Juls will break down the first two days of the round of 16 to see whether Argentina has become too reliant on Lionel Messi, how Kylian Mbappe is doing for France, and more.
Controversies
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is the story of a long history of conflict. They have fought each other over territorial claims and other issues, but the two countries have also worked together on regional matters.
Relations have improved since the re-democratization of Argentina in 1983. The former military dictatorship was replaced by a democratic government led by Raul Alfonsin, who started to resolve territorial disputes and improve relations with Brazil.
Nevertheless, despite these efforts, the rivalry remains strong. This is especially evident in their economic policies and the political and diplomatic apathy of both governments.
The two countries are both part of the Mercosur trade bloc, but MERCOSUR is in danger if they can’t find a way to work together and get past their economic and political differences. The future of this trading and cooperation mechanism could be at stake if Bolsonaro tips the balance towards Venezuela, which has been suspended from the group under the dictatorship of Hugo Chavez.
Brazil and Argentina
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is one of the most dramatic and epic in world football. There’s been a lot of blood and tears, controversies, and on-field skirmishes, but most importantly, a great deal of very good football too.
The two countries are the biggest and strongest in South America, producing football stars like Lionel Messi and Pele time and time again. They have met in major tournaments and created an everlasting rivalry that goes toe to toe, but which one of the giants of football will come out on top?
The first meeting between the two teams took place in 1914. However, it wasn’t until 1925 that the rivalry really began to take shape. That game, played in the Copa America final, was labeled “the shame game’ because of the intense racial abuse from Argentine fans.
