Chile test awaits Argentina
MONTEVIDEO: The unthinkable prospect of a World Cup without Argentina or Lionel Messi could move a step closer to becoming reality today as the South American giants prepare to face arch-rivals Chile in a crucial battle on the road to Russia 2018.
Argentina, who last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1970, saw their progress towards next year’s finals go awry in 2016 when back-to-back draws with Venezuela and Peru were followed by defeats against Paraguay and Brazil.
Although they bounced back to beat Colombia 3-0 in a home qualifier last November, they remain outside the automatic qualifying places in fifth place, with 19 points from 12 games.
A defeat against fourth-placed Chile today in Buenos Aires would leave Argentina further adrift of the automatic qualifying spots.
And if Colombia beat lowly Bolivia in their home game, as expected, Argentina could even finish the day further down the pecking order, outside of the fifth-place play-off berth they currently occupy.
Today’s other showpiece game in South America sees Brazil take on Uruguay in Montevideo.
Brazil have transformed their qualifying campaign with six straight victories since new coach Tite took over last year.
The Brazilians are now motoring towards qualification for Russia, four points clear at the top of the standings from secondplaced Uruguay.
A seventh straight victory today will all but guarantee Brazil’s place at the finals in Russia.
Tite’s biggest headache will be attempting to find an adequate back-up to Manchester City starlet Gabriel Jesus, who is injured. Jesus proved to be the catalyst for Brazil’s resurgence last year, scoring five goals in six games.
Despite Jesus’ absence, Tite still has plenty of attacking options with a strike force led by Neymar. While Liverpool duo Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho could also provide attacking thrust.
Uruguay also have a problem in attack with Barcelona star Luis Suarez suspended. That is likely to mean that Edinson Cavani will shoulder the goalscoring threat for Uruguay with support from Diego Rolan.
Elsewhere today, Ecuador will attempt to maintain their place in the automatic qualifying spots as they travel to Asuncion to face Paraguay.