Brazil talk strong about winning big clash in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina:

Brazil have not won in Argentina for 16 years and have't scored in Argentina in 10 years.

That didn't put off Brazil striker Raphinha, who kicked off the hostilities yesterday by promising to score against the World Cup holders in Buenos Aires today in a 2026 qualifier.

Raphinha also spoke about "kicking them" ... "on and off the pitch if needed" in a podcast with 1994 World Cup winner Romario.

Argentine media reproduced his comments widely.

Coach Lionel Scaloni tried to tamper any tensions.

"I did not go deep into that statement but I know what people told me. It is Argentina vs Brazil, it is always an important game, but it is a game of soccer," Scaloni said.

"I remember the image of the final of the 2021 Copa America, Messi and Neymar sitting down at the Maracana Stadium. That is the image that all of us have to remember."

Defender Marquinhos piled on by saying Brazil were set to break their 16-year winless streak in Argentina.

"It is our time to win now. It has been a while," Marquinhos said in a press conference yesterday. "It won't be easy, we will fight. We will have to be at our best both physically and mentally."

Argentina, leading South America, can clinch a World Cup berth by drawing with third-place Brazil with four rounds to spare.

The teams will meet in Monumental de Nunez Stadium without injured stars Lionel Messi and Neymar, and minus several other players due to suspension or injury.

They last met in 2023, when Argentina won 1-0 at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro at the start of this qualifying cycle.

Brazil are one point ahead of Uruguay and Paraguay. Colombia have the sixth and final direct qualification position.

Fourth-placed Uruguay will have a chance again at Bolivia to recover from Friday's 1-0 home defeat to Argentina. If the Bolivians fail to beat the Uruguayans, Argentina will qualify for the World Cup even if they lose against Brazil.

Colombia take on Paraguay. Ecuador will travel to 10th-placed Chile. Venezuela will host ninth-placed Peru.

INJURIES, SUSPENSIONS

Argentina also won't have injured Lautaro Martinez and the suspended Nico Gonzalez.

After the 1-0 away victory against Uruguay, three players appear to have the confidence of Scaloni: Midfielders Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone and striker Thiago Almada, who scored the winner. They are expected to play against Brazil, too.

Brazil will miss goalkeeper Alisson due to concussion protocols, plus the suspended Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Coach Dorival Junior said he will make six changes for the clash in Buenos Aires, including the replacement of target man Joao Pedro -- who didn't score in the last-minute 2-1 win against Colombia -- for Matheus Cunha.

- AP