#1 Argentina-Brazil
This is, arguably, the mother of all international rivalries. Also called the Superclásico, it’s the perfect concoction of geographical ties, controversies, superstars and success, with a staggering 107 matches played between the two South American giants. Since 1914, their first ever meeting, the two have been at loggerheads. The eternal Pele vs. Maradona argument is proof of a rivalry which goes beyond just international success.
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Argentina and Brazil have always been known for their scintillating display of football prowess and their matchups have always lived up to the expectations, with the fans and media joining in on the hype. And, as always, controversy has never been far behind.
From the 1937 Copa America Final, where the Brazilian team departed before the final whistle for fear of their own safety, to 1978 World Cup, “Battle of Rosario” and 1990 World Cup semi-final with the famous Holy Water incident, this matchup ticks all boxes of a passionate hate-affair. The 1991 Copa America Finals is remembered for being an exceedingly vicious fixture, resulting in the ejection of 5 players through the course of the game.
They also hold a head-to-head record, with Brazil edging over with 44 wins to Argentina’s 38. In their latest matchup in November 2016, the Canarinho hammered Messi’s Argentina, 3-0 in 2018 WC Qualifiers.
The explosiveness of this century-old rivalry has never deteriorated in intensity. La Albiceleste now boasts of Lionel Messi, arguably one of the greatest player ever while Brazil’s poster-boy Neymar Jr. is a sensation in his own right.
Honourable mentions: Croatia-Serbia (Yugoslavia breakup), England-Scotland/Germany, Portugal-Spain, China-South Korea (Koreaphobia), Mexico-USA (CONCACAF rivalry)
