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Clash of the titans at an unfamiliar front

Update : 11 Oct 2014, 10:33 AM

Two of the greatest rivals of world football, five times world champion Brazil and their arch rival Argentina will meet each other in a much anticipated friendly encounter on Saturday at 6pm (Bangladesh time) on Saturday.

The Superclasico will take place in an unfamiliar venue this time, the Bird's Nest Stadium of Beijing, in the capital of China.

It's been almost two years since the two nations locked horns, when Argentina ran out by a 2-1 winner in Buenos Aires, and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

Many had hoped that Brazil and Argentina would meet in the World Cup final three months ago, but Germany had other plans as it thrashed the host nation by a score of 7-1 in the semifinal before beating Argentina in the final.

Both nations have since appointed new coaches, with Martino replacing Alejandro Sabella as Argentina's boss and Dunga taking over from Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Martino started his reign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Germany in a repeat of the World Cup final, and the former Barcelona coach is eager for a similar level of performance in a game that he classes as the biggest on the international stage.

"We will try to do what we did against Germany," said Martino. "Argentina against Brazil is the most important derby between national teams. It doesn't matter where the match is held, it’s always important for the history between us and now also for the players."

Argentina captain Lionel Messi missed his country's victory over the world champion in Dusseldorf last month due to an injury, however the Barcelona forward will be available for the eagerly awaited encounter in the Chinese capital.

Martino opted against recalling in-form Juventus striker Carlos Tevez from his international exile, but Fernando Gago, Leonel Vangioni and Agustin Marchesin have been added to the squad.

Brazil has responded to its humiliating World Cup defeat at the hands of Joachim Low's side by securing 1-0 victories against Colombia and Ecuador.

A victory over the foe this weekend would appease the passionate supporters and the team will be striving for a third successive Superclasico de las Americas victory.

The Superclasico de las Americas returned to the calendar in 2011 in a two-legged contest, but will be decided by a one-off game this time around.

Midfielder Kaka has been recalled after an 18-month absence on the international level, while his Sao Paulo team-mate Souza has also been drafted into the squad after Ricardo Goulart and Ramires were ruled out due to injuries.

Gremio goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe has also been given the nod by Dunga.

It is the return of former world player of the year Kaka, which is the major talking point, and the 32-year-old is relishing being given another chance to feature for his country.

He said: "I'm incredibly happy to be back. After a long time away from the national team, this comes as a reward for the work that I have been doing. It shows that I've been doing something good.

"I hope I can add a lot to the national team with my experience, I think I can help."

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