Argentina vs Brazil – Tussle of experience against youth
Published:Sergio Batista will be hopeful that experience overcomes youth as his Argentina team look to pick up a rare victory in recent times against fellow South American heavyweights Brazil.
Match Odds
Argentina have lost four of their five meetings with Brazil since 2005 and in these games have managed just two goals, while conceding 13.
However, there is every chance they could end this record in Doha as Batista is continuing to opt for a European-based experienced team ahead of hosting the Copa America in July.
Argentina are 6/4 to beat Brazil and under Batista they have looked a more balanced side than that which disappointed at the World Cup.
This was evident in the recent 4-1 friendly romp over World Cup winners Spain, although they did fall to a surprise defeat in Japan.
Brazil also have a new head coach in the shape of Mano Menezes and he has begun his tenure impressively with three victories, which have all arrived without a goal being conceded.
Menezes undoubtedly faces his stiffest test against Argentina and will be hopeful that his decision to allow youth to shine and neglect many of the country’s ageing stars continues to work in his favour.
Brazil are 15/8 to beat Argentina.
First Goalscorer
One of the big decisions made by Menezes is to recall Ronaldinho to the international set up and he is likely to form part of a front three with AC Milan teammate Robinho and the highly-touted Neymar.
Ronaldinho is 8/1 to score first against Argentina, with the other pair both available at 7/1.
For Argentina, unsurprisingly it is La Liga duo Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain who are likely to pose the biggest threat and they are 5/1 and 6/1 respectively to be the game’s first goalscorer.
Meanwhile, Javier Pastore is often given the freedom to roam behind the strikers and could be a decent football bet at the bigger price of 10/1.
This could be Ronaldinho’s first game for Brazil in almost 18 months. See the full Argentina vs Brazil friendly match betting odds market.
