International football friendly matches may lack intensity some times, but that is not going to be the case when two arch-rivals of world football — Brazil and Argentina — meet on Friday. The two teams always bring their A game against one another, irrespective of the nature of the match.
The two giants of world football will meet at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, and tickets for the match are said to have been sold out. That's not surprising at all, since an encounter between Brazil and Argentina in any competition or friendly match is watched by millions all over the world.
The match is going to be extremely significant for Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli, who will make his debut appearance as the gaffer of the national team. Argentina have a solid side for this friendly, with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Paolo Dybala set to feature in the match.
It will be interesting to note the formation that Sampaoli will adopt against Brazil. The coach will be eager to make a winning start in his first match, and with Messi in the line-up, his task may have been made easier. In order to see Messi flourish, he is ready to make changes to fit his style of play too.
''We have to find something in Argentina that is similar with Barcelona's style of play for Messi to perform better. Messi and (Paulo) Dybala are very important for Argentina. Messi has exceeded my expectations. He's very simple and humble, he's a positive leader," ESPN quoted Sampaoli as saying.
Brazil, on the other hand, have been one of the best teams in world football. They have already qualified for the next World Cup in 2018, and under coach Tite, they have played some wonderful football.
Players like Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus have done well under Tite, and both the players will hope to shine against Argentina. The duo could be under pressure for the friendly, especially with Neymar missing. He has been given rest for this clash.
The last time these two nations met in Melbourne was in 1988, and the match finished goalless, but goals are expected to be scored when these two teams meet on Friday.
Where to watch live
Brazil vs Argentina match is scheduled for 3:35 pm local time (11:05 am IST, 2:35 am Brazil and Argentina time).
TV listings and live streaming options are as follows.
India and UK: TV: Unavailable.
US: BeIN Sports. Live Styreaming: beIN Sports Connect
Argentina:TyC Sports Argentina.
Brazil: Globo TV.
Africa:SuperSport. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
