Playing at the stadium where it was humiliated 7-1 by Germany two years ago, Brazil can wipe away some of the lingering pain from that defeat with a convincing performance against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday. The match is being held at the Mineirao Stadium, which is where Brazil was utterly crushed by Germany in the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup.

"Of course returning here still touches all of us, even those that didn't play," Brazil coach Tite said. "But we have to know how to work in all situations. Two years have passed and we are in a different moment."

Brazil midfielder Renato Augusto summed up the despondency felt by the nation that day, calling it "a defeat for the whole country."

All 62,000 seats are expected to be taken at the stadium in Belo Horizonte, located 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro. Since Tite took over, Brazil has won four straight matches in South American qualifying and leads the group with 21 points from 10 matches. Argentina is five points behind.