Argentina‘s chances of competing in the 2018 World Cup are slipping away.
A resolute and united Peru held Argentina to a goalless draw in Thursday’s penultimate qualifier, leaving Jorge Sampaoli’s side outside both the four automatic places and the play-off spot ahead of Tuesday’s final test in Ecuador.
Argentina did carve out some opportunities in front of goal, but they were seldom clear chances, or were simply thwarted by the excellent Pedro Gallese in Peru’s goal.
Sampaoli inherited a mess at Argentina when he was named the third overseer of its qualification bid in May. Before the 0-0 draw in Buenos Aires, La Albiceleste had used 48 players since the 2016 Copa America term, and the country’s football federation continues to be at the centre of administrative gaffes.
Still, with Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, and Javier Pastore all called in at some point during the campaign for Russia 2018, more than 16 goals should’ve been tallied in 17 matches. Many, many more.
Messi was guilty of trying to do too much at La Bombonera. …read more