BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentina and Brazil's much-anticipated World Cup qualifying clash was postponed on Thursday to Friday (Saturday, Singapore time, 8am) after heavy rain made play impossible.

A torrential downpour over the Argentine capital left the pitch at the famed Monumental Stadium heavily waterlogged.

"The bad weather made it impossible for the match to be played. Heavy rain is still falling on Buenos Aires so the match has been postponed," a statement from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said.

The match was called off approximately 40 minutes before it was due to kick off at 9pm local time (8am Singapore time).

The match between the bitter continental rivals has now been rescheduled to Friday at the same time.

Thursday's match had been eagerly awaited, with Brazil welcoming back superstar striker Neymar from suspension after his four-match ban at the Copa America.

Argentina meanwhile had been looking to bag their first win of the qualifying campaign after taking only one point from their first two matches last month.

Argentina are without an array of key players, with captain Lionel Messi and strikers Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez all injured.