Brazil's national football team is set to face eternal rivals Argentina today, March 25, 2025, as both teams vie for critical points in the South American World Cup qualifiers. With six alterations to the squad that edged past Colombia 2-1 last week, Coach Dorival Júnior is looking to refine their strategy against the Argentinians, who currently sit at the top of the table.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 hours (Brasília time) at the Monumental de Nuñez stadium, and it marks a crucial encounter as Brazil aims to cement its position in the qualifying ranks while Argentina seeks to secure its spot in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Among the most notable changes, Alisson Becker will miss the game due to concussion protocols following a head clash during the previous match. He will be replaced in goal by Bento, whose performance could be pivotal in neutralizing Argentina's attacking threats. Additionally, Gerson, who suffered a muscular injury, will be substituted by Joelinton, a player looking for redemption after a controversial red card in the last encounter against Argentina in November 2023.
For context, Joelinton’s infamous expulsion came just nine minutes into his appearance, after he clashed with Rodrigo De Paul following his substitution. Reflecting on that experience, Joelinton expressed his desire to make amends, stating, “It was a very important day for me and my family... What happened, the way it happened, left me very upset, but it’s part of the profession. Thank God, I made a comeback.” His redemption arc will be closely watched as he holds the key to transitioning the ball from defense to the attack alongside André, who also steps into the midfield in place of Bruno Guimarães, who will miss this match due to suspension.
On the defensive end, Murillo will shore up Brazil's backline, replacing Gabriel Magalhães, while he will be joined by Wesley and Matheus Cunha, who will replace Vanderson and João Pedro to add fresh dynamism to the team’s performance. The overall lineup is strategically crafted to mitigate the glaring deficiencies Brazil exhibited against Colombia, particularly in offense and defense, as they struggled to link plays effectively.
Brazil is currently third in the qualifying standings with 21 points, while Argentina leads with 28 points and can clinch qualification for the World Cup with a draw tonight. This adds extra pressure to the clash, which is always charged with emotions and historical significance. The heated rivalry between these two footballing giants promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Dorival Júnior, Brazil’s coach, acknowledged the heightened stakes, stating that his team had to improve their capabilities in transitioning play swiftly and in containing the opponents during the initial phases of the match. He emphasized the need for a well-coordinated effort from the frontline players, like Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Vinícius Júnior, to exploit any defensive weaknesses Argentina might display.
The encounter will also see the return of Thiago Almada for Argentina, who has emerged as the new face reminiscent of Ángel Di María, recently scoring a stunning goal against Uruguay. He is crucial in Argentina's formidable midfield, which promises a challenging matchup against Brazil’s own lineup.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the kickoff, not only to see which team can secure vital points in their World Cup campaign but also to witness if Joelinton can finally break free from the shadows of his earlier performance against the same opponents. With the Brazilian squad blending youth and experience, the evening promises to be intense, and football may well offer redemption.
A victory will significantly bolster Brazil’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup, putting them within striking distance, while Argentina, with a long-standing tradition of footballing excellence, eyes the clinch of their spot on home soil. As the players take to the pitch later today, the stage is set for a captivating chapter in this ongoing rivalry.
