For Dorival Jr, the new head coach of the Brazil national team, not easy times are ahead. His team faces Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Having assumed leadership of the national team after a disappointing World Cup in early 2024, Dorival has coached Brazil in 15 matches. He’s won two-thirds of those matches, seven of them in fact. The Brazilian Football Association initially made an unsuccessful approach for Italian Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid. When those efforts failed, Dorival was appointed.
Considering that the team just went a year under two caretaker coaches, Dorival’s appointment was a huge step. While his tenure has seen mixed results, Dorival views this upcoming clash as an opportunity to solidify Brazil's standing as a formidable force in international football.
Brazil's Recent Performance
After four consecutive draws, Brazil got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Colombia on Thursday. This important victory nudged Brazil to third place in the South American qualifying table with 21 points earned. They’re now just one point away from Ecuador, occupying second place, and seven points behind Argentina, sitting at the top of the table.
In the past, Brazil has faced embarrassing defeats at the hands of their arch-rivals. The last time they came away winners against Argentina was in 2009, winning 3-1 in Santa Fe. Aside from that 2-0 victory in Brazil’s Copa America semi-final in 2019, Brazil has not lost to Argentina in their last four meetings. They’ve lost three of those games — all by the exact same 1-0 result. Dorival knows it will be a tough go, but he believes in his side’s ability to succeed.
"We will face the reigning champions of the world and South America, the most successful team in the world in recent years and we will go out there to win, to play our best football and beat them at their ground."
Stakes and Expectations
The next game is of extraordinary significance. The six best-placed teams from the qualifying round will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil is very keen to consolidate their gains and solidify their position. Dorival’s aim is to take his side through to a first triumph on Argentine soil in 16 years.
Dorival has expressed frustration over the criticism his team has faced but believes that their performance against Argentina could silence doubters.
"We live in a country that loves to criticise, it’s a shame but that’s what I think. That we love to criticise and rarely get the respect when it deserves. But time puts everyone in their place."
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