2018 World Cup qualifiers: Colombia a ‘must-win’ for injury-hit Argentina

Albiceleste’s hopes to progress in jeopardy after Brazil draw

MONTEVIDEO: Argentina coach Gerardo Martino says Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at Colombia is a must-win for his injury-ravaged side after they were left frustrated by 10-man Brazil.

The result on Friday in Buenos Aires — where arch rivals Brazil came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw — meant Argentina are winless after three games of South America’s marathon qualifying campaign, with only two points from a possible nine.

“We have to win in Colombia,” said Martino after watching his side — shorn of a glut of injured stars including Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero — turn in a dominant performance against Brazil but fail to come away with maximum points. “We do not need to look at the table to know that we need to win.”

Brazil fight back thwarts Argentina

Colombia, sixth in the 10-team South American table, will be without Atletico Madrid striker Jackson Martinez, who injured an ankle in the 1-1 draw at Copa America champions Chile last week.

Carlos Sanchez and Santiago Arias will also be unavailable due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Guam bare teeth in Russia quest

More famous for its sun-kissed beaches and coral reefs than its football, the tiny Pacific island of Guam is making waves in Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

James to the rescue as Colombia hold Chile

Coached by Englishman Gary White, Guam have put the rugby-score losses of the past behind them with some giant-killing performances and face Iran on Tuesday, determined to preserve a remarkable unbeaten home record.

“We need to get a minimum of four points from the next two games to have a sniff but in football anything is possible,” said White. “This is not an easy place for anybody to come.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2015.

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