The Brazilian winger Raphinha has stoked the embers ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Tuesday by vowing to score, while also warning that the match could get physical, MySportDab Reports.
Raphinha did not mince words when speaking on ‘Romario TV’ with samba legend Romario.
“We’re going to beat them up… Fucking will! Beat them up! On pitch and off pitch, if we have to do it,” he said. “Guaranteed, I’m scoring. I am going with every I have.”
He stirred controversy in Argentina, with local media calling his remarks a threat. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni brushed aside the tension, however.
“Argentina against Brazil is a special match, but it is still football,” Scaloni said. “We don’t need to take it further than that.”
He appealed for sportsmanship, mentioning Lionel Messi and Neymar embracing after the 2021 Copa America final.
Raphinha’s first match in Argentina since then comes on Tuesday at El Monumental, in the Copa America, when he was left needing five stitches after a vicious elbow from Nicolas Otamendi.
Brazil will be seeking to break a poor run against their arch-foes, having not beat Argentina in six years. In Argentina, their record is worse still, since they last won there 16 years ago.
Argentina top the South American qualifiers with 28 points, six clear of Ecuador and seven ahead of Brazil. Argentina will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if Bolivia does not win against Uruguay earlier on Tuesday. A draw against Brazil will suffice otherwise.
With tensions running high and both teams needing a victory, this latest installment in football’s most intense rivalry is bound to be a firecracker.
