Brazil challenge for young Argentina
Argentina began the international break with a routine 4-0 win over Iraq in Riyadh, but their inexperienced group without Lionel Messi will face a much stiffer test when they take on Brazil in Jeddah today. The match will start at 11:45pm Bangladesh Standard Time.
According to FIFA, this will be the 105th time the South American archrivals will face each other in an official match, with Brazil marginally ahead on 40 wins to 38, with 26 draws.
Argentina's unsuccessful World Cup campaign brought an end to Jorge Sampaoli's year as head coach, and a permanent successor is yet to be named.
Former West Ham full-back Lionel Scaloni, who joined Sampaoli's team during his year at Sevilla, is in interim charge and other members of his staff are still in place.
However, Scaloni has begun a regeneration process. A number of younger names have come in. Argentina are using their post-World-Cup friendlies as an opportunity to trial new faces. In Scaloni's three matches in charge, 11 different players have been handed their international debuts and all seven of the goals have been provided by players who had never previously scored for the national team.
Despite Brazil featuring the likes of PSG star Neymar and Manchester City's returning forward Gabriel Jesus, Tite's side struggled on a muggy night in the Arabian desert.
But with Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino of Liverpool likely to play too, Brazil won't need any help in getting fired up to face the Albiceleste.
"Any game against Argentina is different, it takes on a huge dimension and we all know what this encounter means," said Brazil and Inter Milan defender Miranda.
“Our team has prepared well and we hope to play a great match and win."
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