Argentina vs Peru is certainly today’s international soccer highlight as Messi risks getting left out of the World Cup. The game is massive because it also involves Peru’s illusion of making it to the world championship after 35 years. It is a match that has paralyzed both countries. Over 4,000 Peruvians are cheering for Peru in Buenos Aires alone.
#ElColor Tremendas imágenes de la afición peruana, alrededor de 4,000 personas recibieron a Perú en Buenos Aires. Fotos vía @Gustavo_p4 pic.twitter.com/qkOpS9JKre
— Masconazo.com (@masconazo) 5 de octubre de 2017
Currently, Peru sits fourth in the table, qualifying directly to Russia. Argentina is fifth and, should they remain there, they would play the inter-confederation playoffs.
Both teams are tied with 24 points, even their goal differential is squared at +1 each. The only difference is that Peru has scored more goals.
With only two games left, the situation is critical. A defeat for either Argentina or Peru could prove catastrophic.
In this context, managers Jorge Samapaoli and Ricardo Gareca have defined lineups.
Peru’s confirmed lineup:
Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
Defenders: Aldo Corzo, Miguel Trauco, Miguel Araujo, and Alberto Rodríguez.
Midfielders: Renato Tapia, Yoshimar Yotún, and Sergio Peña.
Wingers: Jefferson Farfán and Edinson Flores.
Center Forward: Paolo Guerrero
Argentina, on the other hand, will feature an unusual lineup without major stars Dybala, Sergio Agüero, Higuaín and Mauro Icardi. This is what Argentina’s starting eleven looks like.
Boca Juniors’ Dario Benedetto will make his first international start and will be Argentina’s lone striker, followed by Angel Di María, Messi and Papu Gómez. Having won only six of the sixteen qualifying matches, Argentina has failed to define a reliable attacking line. Now that stars like “Kun” Agüero and “Pipita” Higuaín are absent, it is up to the former Club America player to make a difference for his country.