Argentina are on the verge of missing the World Cup finals for the first time in 48 years, and their 2018 qualifying campaign has been hit by Fernando Gago rupturing his knee in the 0-0 draw with Peru.
Midfielder Gago replaced Ever Banega an hour into Thursday's game but was forced off within 10 minutes after twisting his knee.
The team later said he had ruptured ligaments in his right knee.
The 31-year-old was making his first international appearance since an achilles tendon rupture in 2015.
Argentina sit sixth in the 10-team South American group. Only the top-four teams qualify automatically.
Jorge Sampaoli's side are level on 25 points with fifth-placed Peru and one behind third-placed Chile and Colombia, who are fourth.
A capacity crowd at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires witnessed another frustrating night for the Lionel Messi-led La Albiceleste.
The two-time world champions have struggled for goals in a poor qualifying campaign in which they have had three coaches.
Messi hit the post as the home side dominated the attacking forays but squandered some glaring openings.
Already qualified Brazil drew 0-0 on Thursday with Bolivia.
The selecao are on 38 points, followed by Uruguay (28), Chile (26), Colombia (26), Peru (25), Argentina (25) and Paraguay (24).
In Tuesday's final round of matches, Uruguay face Bolivia, Peru host Colombia, Ecuador await Argentina, Chile visit Brazil and Paraguay meet Venezuela.
The fifth-ranked team progresses to an inter-continental playoff against New Zealand.
In La Paz, Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe was in outstanding form to frustrate five-time world champions Brazil.
The visitors had the best in a match played at high altitude and searing heat on a poor pitch.
Uruguay failed to break down a stubborn Venezuela in a 0-0 draw that edged them closer to qualification.
Semi-finalists in South Africa in 2010, Uruguay are poised for a third-successive finals, avoiding the playoff route for the first time in five campaigns.
Chile survived a late scare to beat Ecuador 2-1 in Santiago
Eduardo Vargas gave Chile a first-half lead before Romario Ibarra equalised for Ecuador on 84 minutes.
Alexis Sanchez was on hand just minutes later to score the winner from close range.
Two goals in the last three minutes gave Paraguay a 2-1 win over Colombia.
Both teams are still in contention for qualification.
0 comments:
Post a Comment