The soccer world is in for a treat ahead of the Copa America 2021 final. The highly desired final between Argentina and Brazil will become true this weekend in an epic duel with the South American crown on the line. The rivalry between these two national teams is one of the oldest and most famous on the planet.
These two continental giants have faced each other countless times throughout history and won recognition as two of the mightiest sides in the world. However, La Albiceleste and La Canarinha haven't clashed in a tournament final many times.
Therefore, the upcoming Copa America final will be even more special for both teams. Lionel Messi seeks a much-needed international trophy while Neymar wants to redeem himself in the Conmebol's marquee tournament. How did the previous finals between Argentina and Brazil turn out?
All finals between Argentina and Brazil
Even though they've met on 107 occasions, these two lifelong rivals have fought for a trophy in a tournament decider only a few times. Argentina and Brazil have faced each other in four finals so far.
The Copa America 2021 decider will be the fifth final between them. Moreover, most of those types of games took place in this century, with Brazil coming out as the dominant side when they fought for silverware.
1. Campeonato Sudamericano / Copa America final (1937)
The first meeting between Argentina and Brazil in a tournament decider took place in 1937 before the Campeonato Sudamericano was reformatted to the Copa America we know nowadays.
Both teams finished tied on points atop the standings and they had to face off in a tie-breaker match to decide the winner. Argentina claimed the victory 2-0 and were crowned in the continental contest.
2. Copa America final (2004)
It took 67 years to see Argentina and Brazil facing each other in a final again. Copa America 2004 in Peru gathered these two mighty sides in the grand final, and La Verde-amarela ended up celebrating that time.
In an intense, hard-fought game, Adriano's last-gasp equalizer forced the penalties and Julio Cesar came up clutch to secure Brazil's win by saving two kicks in the shootout.
3. FIFA Confederations Cup final (2005)
Not long after the 2004 Copa America final, Argentina and Brazil met again for a tournament decider in the FIFA Confederations Cup final in 2005. However, it was another disappointing memory for La Albiceleste, as La Canarinha put four past them to win the title.
Adriano punished Argentina again, this time with a brace, while Kaka and Ronaldinho were also on target. Pablo Aimar scored the only goal for José Pekerman's side, which could do little to avoid the painful defeat.
4. Copa America final (2007)
The last time Brazil and Argentina clashed in a tournament final took place about 14 years ago in the 2007 Copa America final in Venezuela. Once again, the five-time world champions were ruthless against La Albiceleste and secured the trophy in great fashion.
Julio Baptista, Roberto Ayala's own goal, and Dani Alves sealed the 3-0 victory for Brazil to extend La Albiceleste's drought and increase Brazil's dominance over Argentina in the finals.
The outlook for Argentina ahead of the Copa America 2021 final isn't encouraging as they lost in three of their four finals against Brazil. Will they reverse fortunes this time? Or will Brazil prove their strength once again?
