Nothing revitalises a fan’s passion for the sport more than the prospect of tantalizing clashes between behemoths of national football in the sport’s biggest stage. In the coming weeks, we shall be looking at the way the favourites of the tournament are preparing themselves ahead of the World Cup.

BRAZIL

In every edition of the World Cup, the Selecao are constantly tagged as one of the favourites. This time, however, they will feel that particular boost as they will be showcasing their skills in their own back yard.

They will visit South Africa for a friendly in March however the proper team training regimen will commence once the European leagues have concluded. Two friendlies are in line on the players’ return to Brazil shortly before the tournament commences, playing against Panama and Serbia in the span of three days. Luiz Felipe Scolari will be hoping that things do go their way as he finds himself as the head coach of the nation with the highest chance of ultimate success.

ARGENTINA

The might of having what many consider as the world’s best player in your squad surely tips the odds in your favour. Though they may have faltered in recent tournaments, the Albiceleste are still one of the strongest squads participating which most probably includes the strongest attacking force of all teams.

Alejandro Sabella

A friendly away to Romania awaits them in March and, like Brazil, will begin their full training once the European leagues have concluded. Argentina will have two tests in the form of friendlies before the tournament commences against Trinidad and Tobago and Slovenia, with both matches occurring in a span of two days. Head coach Alejandro Sabella will be confident of his squad’s abilities yet hopeful of avoiding injuries in order to field the best eleven possible.

An intense and historic rivalry breathes just beneath South America, mainly due to both nations being their continent’s strongest options since forever. Every single clash between both squads has always been intense, so expect blood, sweat, fireworks and mouth-watering football should these two giants lock horns this summer.