Argentina on precipice as 2018 qualification battle reaches climax
Montevideo — The once unfathomable prospect of a World Cup without Lionel Messi and Argentina could become a reality on Tuesday as South America’s thrilling 2018 qualification battle reaches its climax. Two years after Argentina kicked launched off their troubled campaign with a 2-0 defeat at home to Ecuador, Jorge Sampaoli’s side travel to Quito to face La Tri once more with their hopes hanging precariously. The two-time World Cup winners head into the final round of games in sixth place overall, outside the top four positions which grant automatic qualification and trailing fifth-placed Peru, who occupy the play-off spot, on goal difference. Yet with only two points separating third-placed Chile (26 points) with seventh-placed Paraguay (24), any number of permutations are possible. Argentina can simplify the equation for their fans, however, if they manage to take all three points. A victory would guarantee they finish no worse than fifth place, putting them into a two-legged play...
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