Argentina–Brazil football rivalry
Brazilian player Coutinho in action against Argentina in 2016 [World Cup Qualifier 2018]
|
|
| Teams |
 Argentina Brazil
|
|---|---|
| First meeting | Argentina 3–0 Brazil Friendly Buenos Aires (September, 1914) |
| Latest meeting | Argentina 0–3 Brazil 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification Belo Horizonte (11 November 2016) |
| Statistics | |
| Most wins |
Brazil (44) |
| Largest victory | Argentina 6–1 Brazil Roca Cup Buenos Aires (March 1, 1940) |
The Argentina–Brazil rivalry is a highly competitive sports rivalry that exists between the national football teams of the two countries, as well as their respective sets of fans. Games between the two teams, even those that are only friendly matches, are often marked by notable and sometimes controversial incidents. This rivalry is also called the "Battle of the South Americans." FIFA have described it as the "essence of football rivalry", while ESPN FC ranked it top of their list of rivalries between national sides.
Even to passionate football fans, Argentina–Brazil matches are often noteworthy for the sheer level of competitiveness and talent of the two squads. Both Argentina and Brazil are routinely ranked among the top ten national teams in the world.
The origins of the football rivalry between Argentina and Brazil can be traced to before football became so popular in both countries. Today, few remember wars and other political confrontations between both countries, and only recall matches, victories, goals and other sport-related incidents. Their rivalry is found in almost all sports, but a men's football match between Argentina and Brazil is one that neither side wants to lose, and often acquires more importance than the championship within which it takes place. To exemplify the intensity of this rivalry, one only needs to remember that after the 1946 incidents (see below), the two teams did not play against each other for ten years; either team would decline to play a given cup so that they would never have to play against the neighboring country.
[Pan America] |'6'|4 Artemo Franci trophy'1'|0 Olympic Gold |'2'|0
Since their first match in 1914, the national teams have played 107 matches counting friendlies, FIFA World Cup matches, and other official competitions (excluding matches between youth sides).
Even though there is a difference depending on whether the Argentine Football Association (AFA) or the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) does the counting, the near-balance is not in dispute. Of the 107 matches played between both national teams, Argentina holds 38 and Brazil 44 victories, with 25 draws and 159 goals for Argentina and 162 goals for Brazil. Only counting World Cup matches, Brazil is slightly ahead with two wins, one draw and one loss, whereas in the Copa América matches, Argentina holds a comfortable lead with 14 victories, 8 draws and 9 defeats. Of the 50 friendly matches, 19 went to Brazil, 17 to Argentina and 14 were draws. Since the first match between the two countries in 1914, Argentina dominated the early years with more than double of the Brazilian victories. This is even when Brazil was world champion in 1958 and 1962. However, the 1970s proved to be dark times for Argentina, with seven defeats, four draws and only one victory, although it should be mentioned that one of the draws came in the 1978 World Cup played in Argentina. The 0–0 draw actually helped Argentina reach their second World Cup final and their first World Cup title. In the 1978 World Cup, Brazil was left behind, playing for third place.
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