Superclásico de las Américas: The Ultimate Rivalry Between Brazil and Argentina
The Superclásico de las Américas (Portuguese: Superclássico das Américas; Spanish: Superclásico de las Américas) is one of the most intense rivalries in international football. This annual friendly match pits the national teams of Argentina and Brazil against one another, bringing together two of the world's most successful footballing nations in a high-stakes clash for regional bragging rights.
Established in 2011 and organized by CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation), the competition serves as the modern successor to the Roca Cup, a similar tournament that took place between 1914 and 1976.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 2011
- Organizer: CONMEBOL
- Participants: Argentina and Brazil
- Most Titles: Brazil (4 championships)
- Current Champion: Argentina (2019)
- Predecessor: Roca Cup (1914–1976)
Evolution of the Competition Format
Since its inception, the Superclásico de las Américas has undergone significant changes in how the winner is determined and who is eligible to play.
The Two-Leg Era (2011–2012)
In its first two editions, the competition was played over two legs—one match hosted in Argentina and the other in Brazil. The hosting order alternated each edition, with the first edition's starting location decided by a draw. The winner was determined by the total points accumulated across both legs, with goal difference and penalty shoot-outs serving as tie-breakers.
The Single-Match Era (2014–Present)
Starting in 2014, the format shifted to a one-off match held at a neutral venue. This change allowed the rivalry to be showcased in global cities such as Beijing, Melbourne, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
Squad Eligibility Changes
Initially, in 2011 and 2012, squads were restricted to players competing in either the Argentine or Brazilian domestic leagues. However, this rule was abolished in 2014, allowing both nations to call up their star players based in other countries, including those playing in Europe.
Tournament History and Results
The competition has seen Brazil dominate the early years, though Argentina has secured victories in more recent editions. While a 2022 match was scheduled for Australia, it was ultimately cancelled as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) chose to participate in the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions in England.
| Edition | Year | Winner | Runner-up | Score/Aggregate | Venue City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011 | Brazil | Argentina | 2–0 | Córdoba & Belém |
| 2 | 2012 | Brazil | Argentina | 3–3 (4–3 p) | Goiânia & Buenos Aires |
| 3 | 2014 | Brazil | Argentina | 2–0 | Beijing |
| 4 | 2017 | Argentina | Brazil | 1–0 | Melbourne |
| 5 | 2018 | Brazil | Argentina | 1–0 | Jeddah |
| 6 | 2019 | Argentina | Brazil | 1–0 | Riyadh |
Top Performers
The competition has featured some of the greatest names in football. In terms of goal scoring, the tournament has been balanced, with several players sharing the top spot.
- Neymar: 2 goals
- Ignacio Scocco: 2 goals
- Diego Tardelli: 2 goals
- Other scorers: Fred, Lucas Moura, Juan Manuel Martínez, Gabriel Mercado, Lionel Messi, Miranda, and Paulinho (1 goal each).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Superclásico de las Américas?
It is an annual friendly football match between the national teams of Argentina and Brazil, organized by CONMEBOL to celebrate the rivalry between the two South American giants.
Which team has won the most titles?
Brazil holds the record for the most championships, having won 4 titles (2011, 2012, 2014, and 2018).
How does the current format differ from the original?
The original format (2011–2012) consisted of two legs hosted in each country. Since 2014, the competition has been played as a single match at a neutral venue.
Who are the all-time leading scorers of the competition?
Neymar, Ignacio Scocco, and Diego Tardelli are the joint leading scorers, each having netted 2 goals.
What was the Roca Cup?
The Roca Cup was a similar competition held between 1914 and 1976, which the Superclásico de las Américas eventually succeeded.