Dorival Junior believes he and Brazil can prove their critics wrong by ending their winless run against Argentina ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifying clash. 

Brazil last beat Argentina at the 2019 Copa America, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino securing a 2-0 win for Tite's side in Belo Horizonte. 

But this week's fixture will take place in Buenos Aires, with the Selecao last winning on Argentine turf in 2009 as Luis Fabiano's brace sealed a 3-1 win for Brazil. 

Dorival's team come into the fixture buoyed by their late win over Colombia last time out, a result that moved them up to third in the CONMEBOL standings after 13 games. 

And the Brazil head coach believes that their latest game with the reigning World Cup champions is the ideal preparation to show they are still a force to be reckoned with. 

"We will face the reigning champions of the world and South America, the most successful team in the world in recent years, and we will go out there to win, to play our best football and beat them at their ground," Dorival told a press conference on Monday.

Dorival is yet to win over the Brazil fanbase since taking charge of the national team in January 2024, with the Selecao enduring a miserable Copa America campaign. 

The 62-year-old has won seven of his first 15 games across all competitions (D6 L2), though he believes that some of that criticism has been harsh. 

"We live in a country that loves to criticise. It's a shame, but that's what I think," Dorival added.

"That we love to criticise and rarely get the respect we deserve. But time puts everyone in their place. 

"I understand how football works and I embrace the challenge of being under pressure. I believe in hard work, dedication, respect and seriousness in what we do.

"I've been in charge of the national team for 15 games. You can put me accountable for my work in due time."

Brazil are one point behind second-placed Ecuador heading into their clash with Argentina, but are in a strong position to reach the 2026 World Cup. 

The top six qualify for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer, with Brazil already eight points clear of seventh-placed Bolivia.