Top 10 Best International Soccer Rivalries

This is about the most exciting matches between international teams (countries), also known as rival nations, in soccer.
The Top Ten
Argentina - Brazil

Argentina and Brazil have the biggest national rivalry because there is so much passion for the sport. In both countries, many people associate with a club team. So when the whole country plays, it creates a sense of unity. Watching both these teams compete is the best thing. Somos Rivales No Enemigos.

Brazil is going to win the 2014 World Cup. I like both countries, but I live in Brazil, and at the end of the day, it is always - I mean always - Brazil. Go Brazil, go!

Brazil is number one in international football. Argentina is number two.

Mexico - United States

It's more than just football. These two countries hate each other for many reasons, and football is the best way to compete against each other. A win for either country is more than just 3 points, and the fans know it. It's a ridiculous atmosphere. There have to be at least 3 fights that break out in the stands during a game.

It is about the haves and the have-nots (Mexico). The USA has an economy that equals Europe's. The USA has twice the per capita income of Mexico. The USA took Texas and an area stretching all the way to the west coast. The USA dominates hockey, baseball, basketball, and football. Mexico refuses to bow to them in soccer. The Yanks are bigger, stronger, and faster, but the Aztecs play a smart, passing "beautiful game" and they usually win.

France - Italy

Neither team made it to the FIFA 2010 playoffs, but still, they had a great game in 2006.

Best World Cup final ever.

England - Germany

Two World War rivals. The FIFA '66 finals were the best ever.

This is one of the biggest rivalries for many reasons.

Two very good teams. Mostly Germany!

Portugal - Spain

I'm a Spain fan, and there have been many historical matches between Spain and Portugal, such as in the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. This is why I love the Spain vs. Portugal rivalry. Both countries have produced many great players. Thank you!

Netherlands - Germany

Spitting, punching, arse-wiping - and that's just on the field! This rivalry has had it all - brilliant sides, plenty of spite, big matches, controversy, and, of course, an upset in a World Cup final. It should be higher in my opinion.

The Germans are very nice people, but if they play soccer, I just can't stand them. That's why I will always support the Netherlands when they play against those awful Germans.

From my point of view, I think these are two of the most powerful teams in Europe, alongside Spain. But if I had to put my money on one team, I would pick the Netherlands.

England - Scotland

We just don't like each other, and that's why it's the biggest rivalry in the world. We hate everything about them. They hate everything about us. No matter what, we will never like each other.

It's the biggest rivalry in the world!

Greece - Turkey

This rivalry became interesting when both Greece and Turkey had success on the international level. Greece won Euro 2004, and Turkey reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Turkey has the upper hand in the head-to-head fixture, as Greece only managed to beat Turkey one time in 9 games.

Japan - South Korea
Denmark - Sweden

It's the battle of Scandinavia. The "beer-loving" Danish men (sometimes too "beer-loving") against their big bad brother across the sea. The Euro qualifier in 2007 was stopped after a drunk (obviously) Danish man ran onto the pitch and punched the referee. The standings were 3-3, but it was later changed to 0-3 (Swedish victory). As a Swede, I think the Danish people are a bit jealous since Zlatan Ibrahimovic is from Malmö, located 30 km from Copenhagen. Bad luck, Denmark...

The Newcomers

? South Africa - Nigeria
? Argentina - Colombia
The Contenders
Croatia - Serbia

Political tension.

El Salvador - Honduras

Culturally, Honduras and El Salvador are the most similar compared to the rest of Central America. A fight almost always breaks out either on or off the field.

Known as the Clásico Centroamericano, it is one of the best atmospheres in world football.

Both of them bring passion to the game and have a lot of tradition.

Hungary - Romania

We don't hate each other, but we still have a giant rivalry.

This rivalry exists since Transylvania became part of Romania after the Treaty of Trianon. Romanians hate Hungarians, and Hungarians hate Romanians. That's all.

Spain - Brazil
Algeria - Egypt

Egypt and Algeria actually have competition. You never know who's going to win! Not voting for Egypt-Algeria is voting for Hosni Mubarak. --Hassan Amin, from the U.S.A.

Egypt is number one.

Indonesia - Malaysia

Both players are very fierce on the field, and both supporters are very fanatic. Sometimes they tease each other and fight. So far, my country Indonesia wins most matches.

One of the hottest Asian rivalries.

Crazy supporters, high tension.

Peru - Chile

War of the Pacific.

They are the worst rivals. They hate each other so much.

Germany - Argentina

Maradona and Messi vs. the world's best team.

Belgium - Netherlands

I'm a really big fan of Belgium. My favorite player in Belgium is Eden Hazard.

The Netherlands win by far.

Australia - New Zealand
Ireland - Northern Ireland

In most sports, they unite, but in soccer, they are the biggest enemies.

Cameroon - Ivory Coast
Austria - Germany
Iraq - Iran
China - India
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