The duel between Argentina and Brazil at the Maracana is coming up for this next one FIFA date by South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This meeting between the great rivals of the continent comes after the first defeat of the albiceleste and the defeat of the Brazilians against Colombia.
Prior to this FIFA commitment, the coach of the current world champion, Lionel Scaloni, assured that it is difficult to have a scenario in which a team proposes a game like the one in Uruguay in which they defeated the Argentine team with a score of 2-0.
Scaloni took advantage of the press conference prior to the game against Brazil to remember the hard moments they went through in the encounter with the Sky bluein which they were overwhelmed and did not get clear opportunities to turn the result around.
“It was a very particular game, Thursday, “It is difficult for another team to play against us like Uruguay.”said the coach. Scaloni also highlighted that although his team played a bad game, it is important to highlight that he did not stop trying and that now “it’s time to get up.”
The Argentine strategist took the opportunity to talk about the result obtained by Brazil against Colombia, by beating the Brazilians 2-1 at the Monumental stadium in Barranquilla.
“The result against Colombia is misleading, they have a good level. They are big teams that come however they come, they have to go out and win,” he said.
He recognized that the selection led by Fernando Diniz It is affected by its multiple players and injuries, but it has top-level players to cover those absences.
Argentina is not unbeatable, says Scaloni
The former soccer player and current technical director of the Albiceleste reiterated that sHe always defended the idea that the Argentine team was not unbeatable, Therefore, he assured that now the team must get up to score three points at the Maracaná.
Scaloni added that he is still not sure of the eleven he will put forward to face the five-time world champion on his territory. “I’m not going to touch the equipment much, but I haven’t given the equipment to the players yet.”
He recalled that Argentina must remain firm to achieve better results than those he obtained against Uruguay, especially in a match that is considered the South American classic (Argentina-Brazil).
“We are those who think that you always have to think about the present, it is a classic and that is enough for the player to want to go out on the field. There is no need to think about that, time has passed and we believe that the important thing is to focus on the now,” he concluded.
The Albiceleste will face Brazil on matchday six of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Despite its result with Uruguayremains first in the classification table with 12 points, followed by Uruguay with 10, then Colombia with nine and to close the first four place is Venezuela with eight units.
Brazil will have a lineup with four forwards
Brazil’s interim coach Fernando Diniz, defended his questioned decision to field four attackers in the match against Argentina. He stated that use an offensive quartet is not new and, like Brazil, is just beginning to adapt to a more offensive style of football.
Diniz received various criticisms in the 2-1 defeat against Colombia, a game in which he fielded four forwards. The comments ensured that the strategist left the defense vulnerable and lame in the center of the field.
“What changed is that we have a new way of playing, more aggressive, and the team will have to adapt. It will take time. We are going to make corrections in the defensive system,” stated the coach.
Diniz assured that he will once again have four attackers in his starting lineup: Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha. Against Colombia there were also four attackers with the injured one Vinicius Jr., now replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
“The group felt the sadness they had to feel (due to the defeats) and the desire to improve. We have worked hard and constantly to find balance. I hope that tomorrow we will have a more balanced team, without losing offensive and creative power,” he said.
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