Stakes high for old foes Brazil and Argentina

With World Cup-winning coaches in both dugouts, some of the world’s finest players on show and South Africa 2010 in sight, Argentina’s match with Brazil on Saturday is as big as they get.

Encounters between the South American giants are always passionate affairs but the weekend’s World Cup qualifier in the Argentine city of Rosario has been given further spice by Argentina’s desperate need for points.

Brazil top the regional qualifying standings ahead of Chile and Paraguay and could conceivably book their place in next summer’s tournament if results go their way this weekend, but Argentina are struggling.

The appointment of the legendary Diego Maradona as coach has failed to inspire an upturn in Argentine fortunes after a below-par start to the campaign and they go into the game in the fourth and final automatic qualifying berth.

By contrast his opposite number Dunga, captain when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup in America, has turned the Selecao into a well-drilled, counter-attacking unit.

Under his guidance Brazil have won the 2007 Copa America – beating Argentina 3-0 in the final – as well as winning the Confederations Cup in June, but centre-back Juan says the focus should be on the players, rather than their illustrious coaches.

“Maradona was a tremendous player, who shares a beautiful history with the Argentinian national team,” said the Roma defender.

“On the same note, Dunga and Brazil have a history of their own. Neither will be on the pitch this time, however.

“We respect Maradona for everything he stands for in the world game but we’ve also got a great coach, which puts us on an equal footing once the game begins.”

Argentina, world champions in 1978 and 1986, have not missed football’s showpiece occasion since 1970, but defeat against their fierce rivals would bring that seemingly unthinkable scenario even closer.

They travel to third-placed Paraguay on Wednesday next week, with games against Peru and traditional rivals Uruguay to follow in October.

The stakes could not be higher for the home team and they have reacted by switching the match from their usual El Monumental home in Buenos Aires to the intimidating surroundings of the 42,000-seater Estadio Gigante de Arroyito in the eastern port city of Rosario.

“I’m only thinking about winning, I refuse to countenance defeat. We’re hungrier for victory than Brazil,” said Maradona, who took over the reins in November 2008.

The clash between Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s 65 million-euro signing Kaka provides one of many intriguing sub-plots, but Messi’s strike partner Carlos Tevez says his side will show no mercy when they confront the five-time world champions.

“I think they’re going to come with a bit of fear and we’re going to eat them on the pitch,” said the Manchester City new boy. “But we have to respect them, because it’s Brazil.”

Dunga has handed a first call-up to Internacional’s 20-year-old defensive midfielder Sandro in place of injured Wolfsburg captain Josue, while Maradona sprang a major surprise by recalling 35-year-old Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo after a nine-year absence from the national side.

Elsewhere, Chile can take a big step towards their first World Cup since 1998 with victory at home to Venezuela in Santiago, while Paraguay warm up for next week’s visit of the Albicelesti with a home match against Bolivia.

Ecuador, Argentina’s biggest rivals for fourth place, visit Colombia, with rock-bottom Peru hosting Uruguay.

The top four teams qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the team finishing fifth facing a play-off match against the fourth-placed team in North, Central America and Caribbean qualifying.