Argentina and Lionel Messi are at risk of missing out on next year’s World Cup finals as their qualifying struggles continued.
Only four South American teams will qualify automatically for the finals, with the fifth-placed side forced into a play-off. The side that finishes fifth will face New Zealand over two legs next month.
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The goalless draw against Peru means Argentina will have to win in Ecuador in their final qualifying match, next Wednesday, to stand any chance of making next year’s World Cup.
It’s a tough task, but Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli told reporters that he believes his side will qualify.
“I am still confident that we will be at the World Cup,” he said following yesterday’s match, reports Goal.com.
“Today was a very good game. We just missed a goal. I am very hopeful and excited about what is coming.
“The team never gave up, put in a huge effort and deserved another result.”
Brazil, who have already secured their place in Russia, were held to a 0-0 draw by Bolivia in La Paz, while Colombia missed out on securing a World Cup spot after losing 2-1 at home to Paraguay.