Argentina fans flocked in numbers to the Maracana Stadium to cheer for their team who faced Bosnia in their first match of the World Cup. The interesting point, however, was the match hardly generated any interest among the local Brazilians.
Thousands of Argentines crossed the border to support their team in the World Cup they believe Argentina will win. “Argentina have the best player in the world in Lionel Messi. The team is playing well under Sabella and the team is strong. Argentina will win the trophy,” said Eduardo Linares, who runs an event management company and has brought two artists to color the fans for free at the stadium gate.
The head of LOC of Rio de Janeiro said around 65000 Argentine fans were at the Maracana when Argentina played here last time and the same number of fans is expected to be present this time also. The fact that Argentina have never lost a match against a World Cup debutant plus their 2-0 victory over the same opponents in a friendly last November bode well for the two time world champions. Argentina has played ten matches against debutants in the World Cup with 9 wins and a draw.
However, Brazilians generally dislike Argentina. A group of Brazilian boys at the Metro station stated they want Argentina’s exit from the group stage of this World Cup which just goes to show the intensity of the rivalry between the two heavyweights of world football.
It was also evident in the comments made by Argentine football great Diego Maradona after his team's win over Brazil in the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Maradona, whose pass led to Claudio Canniggia’s goal which ultimately proved decisive, said, “My country loves beating Brazil more than any other team. The same goes for them! They get more pleasure from a victory over us than one over the Netherlands, Italy, Germany or anybody else. Like us. Like me. Nothing is as beautiful as beating Brazil is.”
