Pressure will begin to mount on players who will be involved in the Argentina vs Brazil live online football match, but it will not compare to the burden that will lie on the shoulders of the two managers sitting in the two dugouts. Of particular note will be the fate that awaits Diego Maradona if he fails to fashion a win of any sort for his country against their arch rivals and most bitter of football enemies, Brazil. It was a huge gamble taken by both the man himself and the Argentinian football authorities when they decided to install him as the manager after a series of poor results from the team previously. Maradona’s reign started in style with a huge win but it has gone downhill since then with two unexpected defeats in their last two World Cup qualifiers. In what may seem as an affirmation of their faith in the man, the Argentinian FA have decided to extend the coach’s contract prior to the important fixture. Perhaps it may provide a boost to the manager and players to give their best against Brazil, but it could quickly lead to one of the most dramatic exits in football management if Argentina were to lose on Saturday.
There is considerably less pressure on Dunga as Brazil are enjoying a great run of form after some indifferent results last year. The good times are rolling and even normally ineffective players have risen to prominence under the man. Take for example Lucas Leiva. Much derided at his club Liverpool by the fans as being a totally inept midfielder but he shines brightly when turning out for his country. Robinho continues to find consistency hard to come by at club level, yet turns in sparkling displays for the national side whenever he makes the trip halfway across the world to play for them. Elano was even ditched by his club for indiscipline and bad attitude, yet toes the line under Dunga and is now a key player for Brazil. What is even more amazing is the fact that the manager has been able to balance a mix of both overseas based and local players to provide effective football and results. It is testimony to his abilities in the job and one must also note that it is in fact, Dunga’s first managerial position since he retired as a player. The experience he did gain leading the country’s younger age groups have provided a strong foundation upon which he has developed authority and ability as the new rising coach of Brazil.