Argentina vs. Brazil: Key Battles (Part 1)
The Battle of the South Americans will take place tomorrow at Doha. On paper, the clash might be titled a friendly, but if history has taught us anything, this game is the least friendly of the games. The matches between the two sides often results in fiercely
contested games with the two set of fans threatening to break loose.
Ever since the first game was played between the football greats in 1914, the two sides haves lined up against each other a staggering 89 times and it gets even better. There is nothing to choose between the South American powers as both Selecao and Albiceleste
have recorded 33 victories while 23 ended in a draw – baffling stats indeed.
On the back of such statistics, the two sides will go head to head and the winner will have the South American bragging rights until the two meet again in the future. Much like the statistics, the game would be fiercely contested and some intriguing battles
will be fought between the two set of players. With the break taking quality the two sides boast of, a moment of magic from the footballing geniuses will decide the tie.
Gonzalo Higuain vs. Thiago Silva
The two under-rated players are set to fight an intriguing battle on the pitch. Gonzalo Higuain, under Jose Mourinho, has been in excellent for with Los Galacticos. The player is frequently made fun of for his lack of flair but one it comes to finishing,
you will be hard-pressed finding anyone better. El Pipita has been one of the most consistent Real Madrid players for the last three seasons and has improved even further under Jose Mourinho.
Higuain will be up against Thiago Silva, the highly talented AC Milan defender. Silva is slowly developing into one of the best centre backs in the world; the presence of Alessandro Nesta at Milanello has clearly aided him aplenty. In absence of Lucio, Silva
will be the man responsible for holding the Selecao line together.
Silva and Higuain are coming into this match on the back of some impressive performances and the two players will battle for penalty box dominance.
Lionel Messi vs. Andre Santos
Lionel Andres Messi – the flea – the football genius from Catalonia, will be up against Andre Santos. No full back in the world will fancy lining up opposite the Argentine fireball and Santos is no exception. Santos plays for a modest Fenerbahce outfit and
the duel against reigning World player of the year will be the biggest test of his career.
Messi is frequently criticised for failing to turn up on International duty but the Barcelona number 10 will be too much for Santos, surely. However, Santos is quick on his feet and an assured display on the left, against Mess, will most probably cement
him a starting berth for the fixtures to come.
Messi frequently cuts in from his favourite right wing position. So, the likes of Ramires and Lucas will have to double mark the Argentine. Messi is undoubtedly the best player on earth and should the player be provided even with an inch of space, he will
punish the opposition with utmost elegance.
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