3. Brazil v Argentina
This rivalry is aptly known as 'The Battle of South America'. Two of the most exciting and successful teams in the history of football, Brazil and Argentina have suited up against each other a number of times with results evenly spread. Unlike a European football rivalry, this battle of South American superiority has new editions added to it at every session of World Cup qualifiers along with the Copa America. Basically, this rivalry is so big quite simply because they are neighbouring countries whom play each other in competitive matches on a regular basis. Brazil and Argentina have met at the World Cup a number of times with Brazil holding a 5-2 advantage over their fiercest rivals. Some of their most notable games have taken part on the biggest stage with the first coming in 1982. After losing their first match to Italy 2-1, Argentina needed a result against Brazil. Unfortunately for the Argentines it was a commanding 3-1 victory to Brazil and the game was marred by one of Diego Maradona's many brain fades. Frustrated with how the game was officiated, Maradona kicked Brazilian player Joao Batista and was given a straight red card. The World Cup of 1990 saw 'The Holy Water" scandal. Argentina saw revenge on Brazil with a 1-0 victory but the game will be remembered by the comments made by Brazilian player Branco after the game. Branco claimed that he was given a bottle laced with tranquillisers by the Argentina training staff while they were tending to an injured player. The comments were refuted by Maradona and the Argentinian coaching staff but nevertheless this incident will remain at the forefront of this great footballing rivalry.