Brazil vs. Argentina: International Friendly Schedule, Predictions & Preview
One of the oldest and most fierce rivalries in soccer history gets renewed this Saturday. The Brazilian National Team faces off against the Argentine National Team in Beijing, China on Saturday Oct. 11.
Combined, Brazil and Argentina have seven FIFA World Cup Championships.
According to multiple reports, players have been stuck in their hotel rooms because pollution in the area was 18 times higher than the usual level. There is a chance this environmental impact could prohibit or delay the game, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Latin Post.com previews the game and predicts a winner:
Argentina
Argentina had an incredible run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The team dominated Group F by going undefeated and qualified for the knockout stage. After defeating Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, Argentina made it all the way to the finals. Unfortunately for Argentina, they fell short of their goal, losing to Brazil in the final game.
As usual, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. So far this season, Messi leads the Argentina squad with four goals. The 27-year-old forward is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.
Gerardo Martino is the head coach of Argentina, and Sergio Romero is the team's starting goalkeeper. Midfielder Javier Mascherano has served as a great leader for this team since 2003.
Brazil
Brazil was the host nation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but their ending couldn't have had a worse outcome. Brazil, with injuries and suspensions to Neymar and Thiago Silva, lost to Germany 7-1. It was one of the most disappointing losses in the team's history. Despite the fact that Germany eliminated Brazil, Brazilian soccer fans still cheered for Germany against Argentina because of the rivalry.
Brazil is coached by Dunga, who used to play for the Brazilian National Team. Dunga has already named Marcelo Grohe as his starting goalkeeper against Argentina.
Team captain Neymar is still the focus of the offense along with Robinho. Veteran midfielder Ricardo Kaka Leite, is still one of the best passers on the team.
Schedule, Where to Watch
Neither team will have home-field advantage in this exhibition game. Brazil and Argentina will face off in Beijing, China on Saturday Oct. 11 at 8:05 a.m. EST. The game will be played at the Beijing National Stadium, which is capable of holding more than 80,000 people. Live stream of the match can be seen here.
Predictions
Both teams have new coaches, so this should be a very interesting game to watch. Both teams will try new plays to see how they work out, and how they don't. In the end, Brazil's defense will make the difference.
Brazil wins 3-2.
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