International Friendly Odds – Brazil vs Argentina

After its World Cup meltdown against Germany, Brazil turned to a familiar face to right the ship: Dunga. The one-named manager led Brazil from 2006-2010 and, since he came back to the sit on the bench in September, Brazil has won its two friendly matches (against Colombia and Ecuador). A win over World Cup runner-up and arch nemesis Argentina on Saturday, October 11, would help ease the lingering pain from the World Cup. The game is taking place in Beijing, China, and starts at 8:05 a.m. Eastern.

Argentina is the slight favorite to win, listed at +130 in the money line compared to +200 for Brazil. The draw pays out at +240.

Brazil and Argentina have met 95 times in the past, and there is little to separate the two rivals. La Albiceleste have 36 wins compared to 35 for La Canarinha. The remaining 24 matches ended in a draw.  However, in their last five battles, Brazil has gotten the better of Argentina (3W, 1D, 1L).

This will be the first game for Lionel Messi in an Argentinian jersey since losing the World Cup final against Germany. Knowing what kind of athlete and competitor Messi is, he should be in top form for this match.

On the other side, Dunga called on the 2007 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, Kaká, after he missed the World Cup in 2014.

Fans should expect a high-intensity game between these fierce rivals and, ultimately, an Argentina win.  La Albiceleste have more playmakers on offense and a better team overall.