Brazil aiming to rewrite history at Mineirao against Argentina

Brazil will seek a slice of redemption when they meet Argentina in a World Cup qualifier here on Thursday, according to Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho.

The fixture will be the Selecao's first at the Mineirao Stadium since their calamitous 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup, a result widely described in Brazil as a national tragedy, reports Xinhua.

"There's no way to escape it," Paulinho told reporters on Sunday. "But football gives you the chance to rewrite history. We're not going to reverse what happened, but we can leave a good impression this time around."

"We have a new opportunity and we hope to make the most of it. We have had some great victories and we hope to continue playing the same way," he added.

Paulinho was one of several Brazil players to be dropped after the World Cup, and he only regained his place under new coach Tite in September.

The recall came after a string of fine performances from Guangzhou Evergrande, who are coached by Brazil's 2014 World Cup manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Evergrande have won the past six Chinese Super League titles, with Paulinho and Scolari playing a part in the past two.

Brazil are currently top of the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with 21 points, one point ahead of second-placed Uruguay.

Their match against Argentina will be followed by an away clash against Peru five days later.

--IANS

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