With a mouth-watering clash coming up between archrivals Argentina and Brazil in the South American World Cup Qualifiers at the Monumental Stadium on Wednesday, we turn back time and catch a glimpse at the last time the Albiceleste got the better of the Selecao at home in a World Cup Qualifier.  

Almost 20 years have passed since Argentina's memorable 3-1 thrashing of Brazil at the same venue. The win confirmed Argentina's spot in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. It was a comprehensive victory for Jose Pekerman's side, which went 3-0 up inside the first 45 minutes and only failed in keeping out a tremendous freekick from Brazil's left-back, Roberto Carlos. 

Many would remember the evening for Roman Riquelme's flamboyant display, including an incredible left-footed thunderbolt from at least 25 yards out, which is widely considered one of his best performances for the national side. The Argentine playmaker upstaged a star-studded Brazil squad featuring the likes of Kaka, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Carlos with smart passes, earning, and sleek dribbles.

Striker Hernan Crespo scored the opener in the fourth minute when he sped through from the wide left and curled a low-driven right-footed shot past Dida after Lucho Gonzalez pierced one through the Brazilian back line. In the 18th minute, Riquelme picked up the ball following a combination between Mascherano and Gonzalez before unleashing the left-footed strike. Crespo returned to head one in after his strike partner Javier Saviola sent a lofting chip in the 40th minute to give Albiceleste a considerable cushion. 

Carlos's trademark missile in the 71st minute foreshadowed a flurry of attacks but Brazil failed to find the net. Adriano had two goal-scoring opportunities in the final 15 minutes, putting a header just over the crossbar and hitting the post with a low-driven shot, but could not convert from either as the visitors were left to see their archrivals celebrating in their home ground. 

A few days later, however, Brazil got their revenge, winning the Confederations Cup final 4-1 on June 29, with goals from Adriano, Kaka, and Ronaldinho. Pablo Aimar pulled one back for Argentina on that painful afternoon in Frankfurt.

Since that victory in 2005, Brazil played thrice in Argentina, with all three encounters being World Cup Qualifiers. 

In 2009, the Selecao won 3-1 with a goal from Luisao and a brace from Luis Fabiano; Jesus Datolo pulled one back for Diego Maradona's Argentina team at the time. 

The 2015 encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, with Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi scoring the opener before Lucas Lima equalised for Brazil. The 2021 meeting was a goalless stalemate which however sealed the Albiceleste's qualification for the World Cup in Qatar, which they would go on to win a year later.