102 years on from the first encounter, one of football’s great rivalries returns this month as Brazil host Argentina in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
The two sides’ first official meeting took place on September 20, 1914, at the Estadio GEBA, in a match that saw Argentina record a comprehensive 3-0 win.
The head-to-head record over the past century shows just how fiercely contested the Superclasico of the Americas has become. According to the Brazilian Football Confederation, Brazil have recorded 40 victories overall to Argentina's 36, with 25 draws, while the Selecao have hit 158 goals to the 'hermanos' 155.
But this is the Superclasico; nothing is without controversy. In FIFA-recognised matches, Brazil have 39 wins to Argentina’s 37, with 26 draws while both teams have hit 159 goals each. Meanwhile, a third tally is often cited: add all matches officially recognised by both football federations and Agrentina lead with 41 wins to Brazil’s 40.
From the Copa Roca and friendlies to the Gold Cup, Copa America and Atlantic Cup, the two nations have met in at least 13 different competitions. Some were considered full internationals by all, others were not.
But one record is indisputable: the two teams have clashed four times at World Cup finals tournaments, with two wins for Brazil, one victory for Argentina and one draw.
In Germany in 1974, goals from Rivelino and Jairzinho gave Brazil a 2-1 win in what was the nations' first ever meeting on the game's grandest stage. Four years later, in Argentina, they played out a goalless draw before the hosts went on to claim their first world title.
Zico, Serginho and Junior struck in their next meeting, as Brazil’s iconic side of 1982 earned a 3-1 win over Argentina in the second group stage, with a frustrated Diego Maradona earning a red card during a fiery encounter. Unfortunately for the Selecao, they were ultimately knocked out by eventual winners Italy.
Maradona led Argentina to their second World Cup title four years later and, in 1990, the Napoli legend got revenge over Brazil, as he set off on a mazy run that led to Claudio Caniggia grabbing the only goal of their second-round meeting.
The two sides had to wait 86 years for their first contest in World Cup qualifying, when Brazil sealed a 3-1 win en route to Japan and South Korea, where, in 2002, they would become world champions for the fifth time. Since then, there have been seven games between the two, with three wins for Brazil, two for Argentina and two draws.
This month at the Minerao, the record will be updated, adding extra spice to what is sure to be another intriguing chapter in this historic rivalry.
