On Tuesday night, Brazil hopes to at least briefly clarify the balance of power in the duel with arch-rivals Argentina. The new leader Raphinha has clear words for the competitor.
Almost six years since the summer of 2019, Brazil is still waiting for a win against Argentina in one of world football’s greatest rivalries. The Selecao won 2-0 against the Albiceleste in the Copa America semi-finals that year. Since then, they have lost three and drawn one. Particularly bitter from a Brazilian perspective is the defeat in the final of the Copa America 2021 (0-1).
Accordingly, there is a great desire to clarify the balance of power again in the duel at the Estadio Mas Monumental in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday (1 a.m. CET) – at least for a short time. With five games to go, the Selecao are eight points clear of the play-off place in the South American World Cup qualifiers, and are on course to participate in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. But with only six wins from 13 games and seven points behind leaders Argentina, more than just points are at stake in Buenos Aires.
Despite superstars like Vinicius Junior or Rodrygo, another winger is emerging as Brazil’s best hope for Wednesday night: “As a person, he’s an excellent guy, great in everyday life, very intelligent in the group, always has the right words at the right time, and that shows and demonstrates the importance of his presence,” Brazil’s Marquinhos praised Raphinha after the important victory against Colombia (2-1).
Clear words to the rival
Because the Barcelona player is now not only flourishing in the Catalans’ kit, but also with the Selecao – and, unlike some of his teammates, is not only leading by example as a footballer. “What a leader he is. He proved that in his behavior towards Vinicius,” said his captain, praising the 28-year-old. In Friday’s win, Raphinha not only scored and set up goals. The winger had also summarily shooed Vinicius Junior off the pitch, and the superstar, when substituted after his winning goal, boldly ignored the referee’s instructions to hurry – after all, a suspension for the all-important clash with the Albiceleste was looming.
Raphinha was no less brash in an interview with former Brazilian striker legend Romario. Whether the 28-year-old, as his captain had claimed, “always said the right things at the right time” remains to be seen. When asked by the moderator whether Brazil would beat Argentina, Raphinha was unequivocal: “We’ll beat them, I’m sure of it. On and off the pitch, if that’s what it takes.”
Not the only clear words in the direction of the rival, who has to do without his biggest superstar, Lionel Messi, due to an injury. In the absence of the Argentine superstar, the winger is at least sure who will score a goal in Buenos Aires: “Yes, with everything I have”. But that’s not all: at the end, when asked, the Porto Alegre-born Raphinha adds even more vulgarity: “S*** on them!”
The Brazilians lost the first leg of the qualifier 1-0 at home in Rio de Janeiro.
