Colombia will get the chance to get revenge for the Copa America final defeat when they take on Argentina in a World Cup qualifying clash at home.
The blood has barely dried from the battle of the Copa America Final in the USA between Colombia and Argentina, and the two teams meet again. This time around, the objective is to get a grip on their respective World Cup qualification campaigns as Los Cafeteros host the continental and world champions.
Returning to home comforts after a tricky away day against Peru, Colombia will have revenge on their minds against Argentina. Meanwhile, in their first post-Copa game against Peru, Nestor Lorenzo’s side only managed to salvage a point against their opponents, courtesy of a late Luis Diaz goal.
The result received mixed reviews, considering Peru had only managed to take two points from their last six games before that clash. However, on the positive side, any point in this qualification stage, especially away from home, is always a good thing for teams, irrespective of how the opposition has performed. Hence, Colombia will have a huge task at hand, and they will be under pressure to deliver against Argentina at home.
The World and Continental Champions proved their mettle in front of a packed home crowd as they took on Chile in their first game since lifting the Copa America title. Lionel Scaloni continued his exceptional record as the team’s manager after yet another win under his belt, as his side beat Chile with a 3-0 scoreline.
Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala all got on the scoresheet to put Chile to the sword as Argentina took a four-point lead on the table. They are now on 18 points, five points clear of their next opponent, Colombia.
Away wins in the CONMEBOL qualifications are considered a rare commodity, which does add pressure on any team travelling to play their games. However, Argentina have not lost an away qualifier in over seven years, and are unbeaten in their last 13 away qualifiers. Hence, they are very much expected to have a positive result against Colombia and keep their unbeaten run going.
Team News & Tactics
Colombia
Colombia will be without several experienced stars, including David Ospina and Davinson Sanchez, who are missing through injury. However, Nestor Lorenzo will still be able to name his most potent lineup, having rested a few of his other vital players against Peru.
For instance, James Rodriguez played only 45 minutes, having not played football since the Copa Final. He will be pencilled in for a start and will captain the side against Argentina.
Krasnodar striker Jhon Cordoba was a surprise starter against Peru, which meant in-form Aston Villa man Jhon Duran was only a substitute. However, the latter is now expected to lead the line for Colombia when they host Argentina and will have Rodriguez and in-form Liverpool man Luis Diaz on either side in that formidable-looking front three.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Vargas; Munoz, Lucumi, Mina, Mojica; Rios, Lerma, Arias; James, Duran, Diaz
Argentina
Lionel Scaloni might tweak his system a bit to accommodate the challenge posed by hosts Colombia. The 46-year-old has fresh memories of how the opposition likes to play and will field a strong lineup to get a result away from home.
For instance, in the previous game against Chile, he deployed a back three and a midfield five, as he could station a standard 4-4-2 for this tricky clash on the road. A front two of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez would be the ideal partnership to get the goals.
Giovani Lo Celso might come in to replace Nicolas Gonzalez in the side to suit the system, meaning Lisandro Martinez and Nahuel Molina are expected to take on the traditional full-back roles. Scaloni will persist with a central defensive pairing of veteran Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Lisandro Martinez; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso; Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
Key Stats
- Nestor Lorenzo has lost just once as Colombia’s manager, which came against Argentina in the Copa America final.
- Colombia are on 13 points, seven points clear of the final automatic qualifying spot.
- Argentina are undefeated in 13 away World Cup qualifiers in the CONMEBOL.
- Argentina are four points clear of second-placed Uruguay in the qualifying table in CONMEBOL.
Player to Watch
Luis Diaz
Much to Nestor Lorenzo’s advantage, he has one of the most in-form stars in his attacking lineup: Luis Diaz. The Liverpool man has shown he can operate at the highest level, and that goal against Peru was proof of sorts that he’s ready to explode this season.
Coming into this international break, Diaz has scored three times for Liverpool in as many games, which makes him one of the most in-form attackers right now. Considering the expected returns of James Rodriguez and Jhon Duran in this Colombian lineup, Diaz will have more to work with as he and his teammates look for revenge against Argentina.
Prediction
Colombia 1-1 Argentina
Away games are extremely tough in CONMEBOL, and Argentina know this very well. Even if the world champions have one of the most formidable records away from home in World Cup qualifiers, they might still get a positive result against Colombia, although they are unlikely to take three points.
Meanwhile, Colombia are no pushovers, and they showcased that in the Copa America final against Argentina back in July. With home comforts backing them, Nestor Lorenzo’s men are ready for the fight, and this game has all the hallmarks for a feisty draw.
