Argentina vs. Brazil 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch World Cup qualifying online
Neymar is back for Brazil, but Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero miss out for Argentina.
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No matter the competition or stakes, Argentina vs. Brazil is always a massive match. But on Thursday, the two sides are playing a match that counts for World Cup qualification, and both are off to rocky starts.
Brazil lost their opening match away to Chile, but recovered with a home win over Venezuela in their second match. Things have been even tougher for Argentina -- they lost at home to Ecuador and drew 0-0 away to Paraguay in a terrible game.
Argentina are the home side on Thursday, but they’ll have to win without Lionel Messi or Sergio Aguero. The Albiceleste’s two biggest attacking stars are both out with injuries, as is right back Pablo Zabaleta. Brazil, meanwhile, are getting Neymar back after he was suspended for the first two games of World Cup qualifying.
Brazil’s star players are quite a bit healthier, but some fringe players who might have been considered for a spot miss out due to injuries -- Marquinhos, Rafinha Alcantara, Ramires, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino were all left out.
Key Brazil player -- Neymar
Neymar’s Copa America suspension is finally over, and it couldn’t have come a better time for Brazil. Not only because he’s available to face Argentina, but because he’s in the form of his life. He’s been forced to take over the Barcelona attack in Messi’s absence and he’s been brilliant -- he now has 13 goals and five assists on the season.
Key Argentina player -- Éver Banega
With Messi out and most outlets in Argentina not projecting Javier Pastore to start, most of the creative burden will be on Banega. He hasn’t had the strongest start to the season for Sevilla, but is coming off a spectacular performance in a victory over Real Madrid. Gerardo Martino will be hoping that form carries over to the Albiceleste.
Will either manager get fired with a loss?
Not over the weekend, but if they fail to win the follow-up game on Tuesday? Yes, it’s fair to say that either manager might face the chopping block if they don’t win one of their two matches, and dropping all three points in this one will make that decision easier for either FA. Dunga has a bit more rope -- losing away to Chile isn’t anywhere near as bad as losing at home to Ecuador -- but Brazil is quick to fire managers. And if he loses at home again, Martino is unlikely to be graded on a no-Messi curve.
Match date/time: Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada), TyC (Argentina), SporTV, Globo (Brazil)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada)
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