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Brazil to Face Argentina in WC Qualifying Match; Looks to Redeem Itself after International Humiliation

By Eva Magno | Nov 09, 2016 04:48 AM EST
Barcelona winger Neymar (R) with teammate Lionel Messi
(Photo : Getty Images) Brazilian captain Neymar (R) rumored to have rejected big-money offers from cash-rich clubs Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain just to stay with his current team FC Barcelona in La Liga.

Brazil now has a chance to redeem itself after the lingering humiliation it has suffered from Germany during the World Cup two years ago. It will face Argentina on the World Cup Qualifier at the 62,000-seater Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil this Thursday.

It's the same stadium where Germany crushed Brazil 7-1 to which Renato Augusto, Brazil's midfielder, called "a defeat for the whole country." Brazil's coach Tite said it was painful for them to play on the same field they were defeated but that was two years ago and they have to learn to adapt on different circumstances, Yahoo News reported. 

Since the coach took over, the national team has been winning qualifying matches against four South American countries. He leads the team by 21 points from 10 matches, while Argentina is 5 points behind putting the team on the 6th spot. Only the top four teams will be qualified to join Russia 2018, The Sun UK reported.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will also be joining Chelsea's Willian for team Brazil. But those who are going tostart against Argentina includes Real Madrid's Marcelo, Manchester City's Fernandinho and Guangzho and Evergrande's Paulinho, who played against Germany during the heartbreaking defeat.

Paulinho said he will be playing to make Brazil forget about the 7-1 loss but said he couldn't change what happened. He said they can leave a good impression this time.  Moreover, Rodrigo Caio, defender, said "this is a new Brazil" and fans will definitely be seeing that on the field. 

Neymar is expected home to face Barcelona team mate Lionel Messi head on. Edgardo Bauza, Argentina's coach, has expressed his fear about not reaching Russia 2018, which is unthinkable considering that it was Argentina who faced Germany at the finals with 1-0.

After Brazil, Argentina has to face Colombia to which the coach said he's worried because the qualifying matches have to be won to guarantee their participation in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The four South American spots are held by Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Colombia. A playoff will decide the 5th spot and Argentina has to win that.

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