World Cup 2018 Qualifiers: The Tango Is Slowing Down

(Baonghean.vn) - With only 2 rounds left to finish the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, it was thought that with home field advantage, Argentina would defeat Peru to improve their position. However, Messi and his teammates ended the match with a 0-0 draw, pushing Albiceleste to the "door of death" in the final round.

Except for Brazil, who have already secured a ticket to Russia next summer, and the three teams Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador, who have run out of chances, the remaining six teams are all competing fiercely for three official tickets and one wild card. Surprisingly, Sampaoli's players are currently in sixth place, at risk of being spectators at the biggest football festival on the planet.

Messi was disappointed after the match with Peru. Photo: Internet

The tango dancers have had two consecutive draws against Uruguay and Venezuela, so Argentina is determined to win all 3 points when hosting their direct opponent Peru at the "fire pit" La Bombonera. Coach Jorge Sampaoli and his team can be completely confident that they will complete their goal because since 2004, Argentina has not lost to Peru (won 7, drew 3).

In their last five meetings with Peru, Albiceleste have won all of them and Argentina are unbeaten under coach Jorge Sampaoli (W2 D2). Meanwhile, the visiting team Peru are on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W5 D1) and if they get a point at La Bombonera, they have a chance to play in the play-offs.

Right from the start of the match, the tango dancers were deploying a pressing style of play across the entire pitch, forcing Peru to retreat deep to defend. Messi played extremely hard, fighting left and right between Corzo, Trauco, Araujo, Yotun, but his teammates Di Maria, Gomez and Benedetto all lacked the creativity needed to break through goalkeeper Gallese's net. Therefore, Argentina was powerless to find a way into Peru's goal throughout the first half.

After the break, the Argentine players were determined to go all out in attack. The home team had three very clear chances, but Messi, Benedetto and Biglia were unable to convert them into goals. The Peruvian midfield gradually regained control of the game and were ready to launch counterattacks, making the home team not dare to take risks like before. To break the deadlock, coach Sampaoli decided to send in his strategic card Gago. But this midfielder quickly had to leave the field after 6 minutes of play due to injury, taking with him the hope of the fans of the white-blue striped team.

In a match with 66% ball possession and 22 shots, 6 of which were on target, Messi and his teammates still could not penetrate the tight Peruvian defense. Having 3 consecutive draws has put Albiceleste in a dangerous situation.

Looking for a wild card

The only consolation is that in the next round, Peru, who are currently in fifth place, will face Colombia, who are currently in fourth place, in a crucial match. So if they beat Ecuador, who are already out, Argentina will still have a chance to finish at least in fifth place, the place to qualify for the play-offs. However, having to play away in Quito (which is nearly 3,000 meters above sea level) is never easy for Albiceleste, especially when the pressure is on their shoulders.

South American football is full of surprises, bottom team Venezuela just held Uruguay to a 0-0 draw in the second place. No one thought Messi would have to stay home to watch the 2018 World Cup on television, but with the current situation, Argentina could very well find themselves in that situation.

Starting lineup:

Argentina:Romero, Mascherano, Mercado, Otamendi, Biglia, Gomez, Di Maria, Banega, Acuna, Messi, Benedetto

Peru:Gallese, Rodriguez, Corzo, Trauco, Araujo, Yotun, Tapia, Pena, Guerrero, Farfan, Flores

Score: 0-0

Round 18 schedule

An Thanh