Argentina coach Gerardo Martino says Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at Colombia is a must-win for his injury-ravaged side after they were left frustrated by 10-man Brazil.
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That latest result against the five time world champions was a disappointing one as Brazil were certainly there to be beaten.
Colombia and Argentina have made disappointing starts to their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns despite excellent pedigree.
They now sit ninth in the 10-team group after two draws and a defeat from their opening three games.
Despite their high profile absentees, Argentina still managed to field a front three of Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi against Brazil and they should have a similarly strong attack for the game in Barranquilla.
The Real Madrid star took Edwin Cardona’s place in the starting line-up, but, after replacing Carlos Sanchez early in the second half, the Monterrey midfielder thinks they will be capable of playing together on Tuesday. Colombia meanwhile are without Radamel Falcao but that might perhaps be a blessing given his recent showings for both club and country.
“The match against Chile got us going again and we hope to play well against Argentina”, said the strategist.
“We couldn’t seal the deal”, Clarin newspaper lamented at the weekend while La Nacion chimed: “The team can’t win”.
The visitors will also have to contend with the heat, which can top 30 deg C and which Colombia try to benefit from by staging the match in mid-afternoon.
“We know the path we are looking for and the table does not change our view”.
Uruguay welcomed striker Cavani back from suspension for their visit to Ecuador on Thursday and although he scored they lost 2-1 as the Ecuadoreans continued to surprise everyone with their flawless, best-ever start to the qualifiers.
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The sides last met in the Copa America quarter-final in June with Argentina qualifying on penalties after dominating the 0-0 draw.
