Brazil vs Argentina CONMEBOL News & Betting Odds
Bitter Rivals Meet For First Time Since 2021
Both Sides Coming Off Losses
International soccer’s biggest rivalry is between Brazil and Argentina. On Tuesday, the two sides will meet in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, and both figure to be highly motivated. Brazil vs Argentina CONMEBOL news mentioned that both teams lost last Thursday, even though they were favorites.
While Argentina is still in first place in the CONMEBOL standings, Brazil has dropped to fifth ahead of this match. Brazil has lost consecutive matches for the first time in nearly ten years, and the hosts will be looking to avoid a third straight defeat here. Ahead of this qualifier, we’ll preview the Brazil vs Argentina odds.
Brazil vs Argentina
Day/Time: Location: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Head-to-Head:
Brazil and Argentina last met in November 2021 in a World Cup qualifier that finished scoreless. Angel di Maria scored the game’s only goal earlier that year as Argentina won the Copa America final over Brazil. Argentina are unbeaten in their last three matches vs. Brazil, but Brazil does lead the all-time series. Those interested in soccer betting should note that at least one team has failed to score in the last seven meetings.
Brazil in Precarious Position
While Brazil will almost certainly qualify for the World Cup, especially given the expanded format, they’re in relatively uncharted territory. Last Thursday, they lost to Colombia in qualifiers for the first time, according to soccer World Cup statistics. Gabriel Martinelli scored his first goal for the national team to open up the scoring for Brazil.
However, two dramatic headers from Luis Diaz handed Colombia a 2-1 win. It was an incredibly emotional night for Diaz and Colombia, as the Liverpool winger’s father was in attendance following his kidnapping. For Brazil, it was another sign of their decline. Under interim coach Fernando Diniz, Brazil have won just two of their opening five qualifiers. Plus, Vinicius Junior picked up an injury in Thursday’s match and will miss out on Tuesday.
Without Vini, Neymar, and Richarlison, Diniz may turn to Gabriel Jesus to start up top vs. Argentina. With all of the absences, which are not just limited to the front line, Brazil’s side isn’t exactly experienced. Alisson, Jesus, and Marquinhos are the only Selecao players available on Tuesday, with more than 20 appearances for the national team. Still, there is talent on the roster, and Brazil should be highly motivated to avoid a third straight loss.
Argentina Lose For the First Time in 2023
Argentina’s 2-0 loss at home to Uruguay last Thursday marked their first home loss for over seven years. It was also their first loss in World Cup qualifiers since 2017 and their first loss overall since last year’s World Cup group stage. The defending World Cup champions are still in first place in CONMEBOL, with a 4-1 record. Argentina did have better spells of possession in their match vs. Uruguay but didn’t create as many chances as they normally do.
Brazil vs Argentina CONMEBOL news mentions that, in the match vs. Uruguay, Argentina failed to score for the first time since a scoreless draw vs. Brazil two years ago. Plus, on Thursday, they conceded for the first time in 2023. Unlike Brazil, all of Argentina’s key offensive players are available on Tuesday. That includes Lionel Messi, who scored twice in a 2-0 win over Peru last month.
Messi has scored 106 international goals, which is the most of any Argentina player of all time. Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Angel Di Maria are also on the side. Argentina typically bounces back from losses, but Tuesday’s match at Brazil figures to be a challenge.
Match Analysis & Odds-
Brazil vs Argentina CONMEBOL news mentions that this has the look of a close match. In this pick’em, Brazil pk comes in at -130, while Argentina pk shows even odds. Brazil is also a +150 favorite for this match but hasn’t scored vs. Argentina in any of the last three meetings. Argentina has been better than Brazil over the last year, but La Albiceleste are +195 underdogs here.
Bettors should expect a scrappy match as both teams wrestle for control. Brazil has never lost a home match in World Cup qualifiers but that has the potential to change come Tuesday. This is not exactly a strong Brazil side but it will be a motivated one. There will undoubtedly be outrage from the fans should Brazil drop a third straight qualifier.
A draw sits at +190 odds and the last meeting, back in 2021, did finish all square. The over/under goal total looks to be low at first glance, at two. However, each of the last six matches between the two sides has finished with two goals or fewer.
For CONMEBOL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
