It was 1990 when the world last saw eternal rivals Argentina and Brazil meet each other in a World Cup game, and the last-16 tie was eventually won 1-0 by Diego Maradona's men who sparkled with the infamous “Holy Water” controversy.
It was reported to Fifa that, just before Caludio Caniggia's winner, Brazil midfielder Branco was allegedly handed spiked water by Argentina's physio during a break in play in Turin.
These old memories are back in contention before the quarter-finals begin in Doha Friday where the Selecao will face last edition's runners up Croatia at Education City Stadium a few hours before the Albiceleste meet the Netherlands just 22kms away at Lusail Iconic stadium.
A win for both the South American giants will give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the clash of these two titans in the semi-final stage of the World Cup in the upcoming Tuesday night.
Fans across the world are excited of the possibility, but both the teams have some job in their hands, especially when it comes to the quarter-finals stage against proven opponents.
The Dutch – the most successful team without a World Cup title – came into Lionel Messi's way eight years ago when the then Louis van Gaal-led side lost in the semi-finals at the hands of Sergio Romero after a goalless draw.
Now Van Gaal is again working as the Dutch coach after some break, and his relation with Argentine veteran Angle di Maria during his tenure at Manchester United – when the current Juventus man had tagged him “the worst ever coach in his career” - came into the relevance as both of them are near to face off.
Expectedly, questioned in the pre-match press conference on the conflict, the 71-year old responded in a light mood.
“He's one of the few players with this opinion. I'm really sorry about this and I find it sad he said this.”
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Meanwhile, one of the representatives of 2014 World Cup squad, Di Maria, who now has a chance to take his personal revenge, missed the round-16 match against Australia due to a strain injury, but attended the practice session last Wednesday.
There were also rumors Rodrigo De Paul was having some fitness issues and had to practice separately.
Coach Lionel Scaloni though in the pre-match presser didn't buy the speculation on De Paul but couldn't confirm the availability of Di Maria, and referred to the practice session they had afterwards.
"In principle they are fine, we are going to see the training to define the line-up. Yesterday we trained behind closed doors and I don't know where this information comes from," Scaloni reacted.
On the other hand, Brazil, who came through to the quarters in an emphatic way, thrashing South Korea 4-1 in last 16 playing some of the best football in this World Cup, are high on confidence, especially with Neymar back and firing.
Head coach Tite answered the criticism after the dancing celebrations against the Koreans, and vowed that the Selecao will continue this way as it is part of their culture and that there is nothing about disrespecting the opponents.
"This is not my team, this is the Brazil team and I have the responsibility of being head coach," Tite told reporters in Thursday's pre-match press conference on the eve of Croatia game.
"I am very sorry, but I won't make comments about people who do not know Brazilian football history, Brazilian culture, the way each one of us is,” he added.
As the first day of the quarter-final fixtures are nicely poised, fans can expect some amazing football, even if that doesn't ensure the desired semi-final tie between Argentina and Brazil.