Brazil, Argentina appear to be World Cup contenders once more

Brazil is about to overhaul high spot within the FIFA rankings and Argentina hasn’t misplaced a single match in 1,000 days. It’s clear the 2 South American soccer powers have extra than simply Neymar and Lionel Messi going for them as they head to the World Cup in Qatar hoping to finish 20 years of European domination.

Both groups flopped in Russia in 2018, with Argentina shedding to eventual champion France within the spherical of 16 and Brazil going out towards Belgium within the quarterfinals. But they’re wanting formidable once more now, every with a deep squad, well-respected coach and a celebrity ahead able to deciding video games on his personal.

Brazil has already damaged the factors report in South American qualifying with 45, six factors forward of second-place Argentina even earlier than the 2 meet for a closing recreation that was suspended final 12 months. Argentina, although, lifted the Copa America title in 2021 by beating Brazil 1-0 within the closing, handing Messi his first main trophy with the nationwide crew.

Messi and Neymar at all times face monumental strain on the World Cup, however the two groups are attempting to be much less depending on their superstars going into this 12 months’s match in Qatar. Brazil has discovered a midfield bedrock in Lucas Paqueta and an aggressive striker in Vinicius Jr. to take some strain off Neymar. Argentina has remodeled Rodrigo de Paul right into a key participant to guard Messi and likewise get the most effective out of winger Lautaro Martinez.

Even with a crew crammed with backups, Brazil routed Bolivia 4-0 on Tuesday within the altitude of La Paz. “The feeling I have now is of peace,” Brazil coach Tite mentioned.

One benefit that Tite has over his rival Lionel Scaloni is extra flexibility together with his lineup. He has performed Neymar as a middle ahead, Paqueta as a box-to-box participant with Philippe Coutinho as an playmaker and located good and younger choices up entrance in Raphinha, Antony, Rodrygo and Matheus Cunha.

Tite additionally noticed the latest rise of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who may problem Fred for a place within the beginning lineup. Argentina has fewer choices on the bench, however is undefeated in its final 31 matches. It has additionally discovered a reliable goalkeeper in Emiliano Martinez and an lively midfielder in Leandro Paredes, one other participant who helps Messi play at his finest.

“South American qualifiers are very arduous and this crew tailored to all the things,“ Scaloni mentioned after Argentina’s 1-1 draw at Ecuador. The doubts surrounding the 2 groups principally stem from their lack of expertise taking part in European groups. The final time for each was in 2019, when Brazil topped the Czech Republic 3-1 and Argentina drew 2-2 with Germany. Then the pandemic started, the calendar acquired squeezed and journey for video games was restricted.

There are additionally some questions concerning the two coaches, regardless of the spectacular outcomes in recent times. Can Tite study from the earlier World Cup and make modifications extra shortly? He admitted that was one among his flaws in Russia. How will Scaloni fare teaching at a World Cup for the primary time _ particularly figuring out it might be Messi’s final main match? Last week, the 34-year-old star raised the potential of retirement after Qatar.

They will discover out their group opponents in Friday’s World Cup draw, which ought to present a greater image of their probabilities for fulfillment.

“We will keep an eye the best way we can and study the teams that will be in our group,” Brazil’s Richarlison mentioned. “We need to focus on the friendlies we have left and prepare well because we have it all to play a great tournament.”

Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi can be optimistic his crew can do higher than 4 years in the past. “We are going to the World Cup hoping we can reach the final,” he mentioned.