Brazil vs Argentina: So much more than Neymar vs Messi

The Selecao host their great rivals on Thursday when everyone will have to play their part in a contest that will not boil down to Barca vs Barca

Posted Wednesday, November 09, 2016 by Goal.com

Brazil and Argentina lock horns once again this week for the showpiece event of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying campaign.

The match takes on an added significance for the hosts, as they return to the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte for the first time since their infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany at World Cup 2014.

It was also the city that hosted Argentina that year, as they went all the way to the final before going down 1-0 to Brazil's last-four executioners.

Much of the talk in the build-up has been focused on Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Lionel Messi, who will find themselves on opposite teams. The superstar duo carry the hopes of their nation, but the clash is so much more than just a face-off between two of the game's greatest individuals.

Both nations have faced continued accusations of an over-reliance on star performers, but under new coach Tite the Selecao appear to have found an answer.

The emergence of Gabriel Jesus has provided a solution to Brazil's long search for a centre-forward. The teenage sensation is the top scorer under the new boss with four goals in four appearances.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho has also forced his way into the team after having spent so long making do with a support role. The former Inter man has been in sparkling form in the Premier League this season and last month won a starting role under Tite, relegating Willian to the bench.

Indeed, a number of those plying their trade in England are expected to take on leading roles in the Superclasico. Sergio Aguero has returned to Manchester City's starting line-up and will be tasked with firing Argentina past their great rivals.

There will be huge pressure on Aguero, who was singled out for criticism in the Argentine media last month after the 'hermanos' slumped to a draw in Peru and a shock 0-1 defeat to Paraguay in Buenos Aires in October.

A sanction for Bolivia (who fielded an ineligible player) saw Chile's goalless draw turned into a 3-0 victory. It leaves Argentina out of the qualification places in sixth place ahead of the 11th round of fixtures in Conmebol World Cup qualifying.

Gonzalo Higuain will also be expected to find the net with Argentina desperate for goals – only three of the 10 teams on the continent have scored fewer than the 11 Argentina have netted in 10 outings.

The two-time world champions certainly have the firepower, but who will fashion the bullets? Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria will be asked to create.

Brazil can also welcome back Douglas Costa, who is hoping to make his first international appearance since March, while midfield maestro Renato Augusto has been one of Brazil's finest performers since breaking into the team last year and leading the Selecao to Olympic gold in Rio.

Fernandinho will also play a vital role, having impressed in midfield after replacing the injured Casemiro last month, and there will be huge responsibility on Paulinho, who will likely be asked to concentrate on reducing the space in which Messi can work his magic.

The two coaches, too, will play a vital role. Tite is riding high, earning labels of the saviour of Brazilian football, while Edgardo Bauza is on the ropes after winning just one of his four games in charge.

Will Bauza shuffle his pack? Will Tite spring a surprise? It's the Superclasico: international football's biggest fixture and everyone will play a part.