This thread is not about the best arguments or fist-fights, a la Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer. It is for listing the best or most memorable player "duels" (for lack of a better term) or matchups on the pitch, ie C. Ronaldo vs. A. Cole in Euro 2004.
Maradona vs Matthaus was a great one in the late 80s/early 90s...granted they only squared off on a handful of occassions, they were at the biggest stage possible!
This is a minor one. It's not because of the greatness of the players but b/c of the sides they represent, and the rivalry between the two. Kily Gonzalez v. Cafu I know, I know...some of you are probably saying "what?" If you see the Inter and Milan players go at it during a club game or better a NT game...you can see there is a real constant battle between them. This is especially so since one is a LM and the other a RB...so constantly at each other during the game. Also, Kily is quite the hot-head and Cafu isn't all that innocent (don't let the Brazilian smile throw you). It gives you a nice little side-show to watch while watching what generally is an awesome rivalry (Inter-Milan and Arg - Bra)
Francis "the hitman" Lee vs Billy "the red rage" Bremner. Best on-pitch fight in the history of football. Every punch thrown was a "winner". Still at it hammer and tongs when they were sent off. Makes Lee "the tooth" Bowyer and Keiron "plastic cockney" Dyer's melee seem like two five year old epileptics having a fit over who ate the last spangle. P.S. Just read the first post.....oh bugger!!
Just one to add is Roy Keane vs. Patrick Viera. Sadly though, as all good and entertaining things it has come to an end with PV leaving the Isles for Turin.
I am a fan of the Cole v Ronaldo battle. I look forward to seeing many more of them as they are both relatively young.
Keane v. Haaland for entertainment value alone. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/photo_galleries/football/2190003.stm
Gentile vs Maradona. It is solely based on the performance in the Italy vs Argentina match at the 1982 World Cup where Gentile absolutely butchered Maradona. Maradona vs Platini when they played against each other in the Serie A in the mid 1980s. The two best players in the world at that time head-to-head must have been very exciting to watch.