Brazil return to Estadio Mineirao where they were humiliated by Germany in the World Cup semis. On Friday, they'll look to turn the tide against Messi-led Argentina
Neymar. Pic/Getty Images
Neymar. Pic/Getty Images
Horizonte (Brazil): A resurgent Brazil return to the scene of the most humiliating defeat in their history tomorrow when they face Argentina in a titanic 2018 World Cup qualifier.
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Two years ago at Belo Horizonte's Estadio Mineirao, Brazil were ripped apart 7-1 by Germany in the World Cup semi-finals, a traumatic mauling that sent the football-mad country into a nosedive of despair. But fast-forward to 2016, and Brazil look to be a team firmly on the road to recovery as they prepare for the 107th meeting with Argentina at the 61,800-seat venue.
A win over Venezuela in October—Brazil's fourth straight qualifying victory—catapulted Tite's side to the top of Brazil's 10-team round-robin standings, with 21 points from 10 games. "I don't have the adjectives. I'm living the dream of any Brazilian coach," Tite said after naming his squad for this week's clash with Argentina. "I try not to think too much about the history. I'm just focused on the strategy," he added.
Argentina's Messi (below) and Di Maria share a lighter moment during a training session in Brazil on Tuesday. Pic/AFP
Brazil are likely to face the most searching examination of their reawakening against Argentina, who will welcome back Lionel Messi after the Barcelona superstar missed their last three games through injury. Tostao, a veteran of Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side, wondered whether a decisive win over Argentina could finally help the country turn the page on the traumas of 2014.
"Would it not be a symbolic landmark to end the depression, the mourning, even if it is not against Germany?" he wrote in an opinion piece. Brazil's rediscovered joie de vivre has been best exemplified by the form of Neymar, dazzling in the win over Bolivia last month.
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