Argentina have some world-class players such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to name a few, but the giants of South American football have only won twice in the World Cup qualifiers. Such results have left them in fifth position in the standings, and are hence eager to defeat Bolivia at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba,Tuesday, and climb higher up the table.
Argentina are favourites to defeat Bolivia, who have suffered four losses in their last five matches in the qualifiers. Argentina come into this match with a huge victory over Chile (2-1), which will do wonders to their confidence. Despite this win, Argentina's game against Bolivia is a huge match for the home side in order to remain in track for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Argentina are forced to make changes in their defencive line, with Ramiro Funes Mori and Nicolas Otamendi serving one game suspension. Martin Demichelis and Javier Pinola could replace the defencive pair against Bolivia, and the Manchester City player has hinted it could be his last game in national colours as well.
"As a matter of humility and because I am realistic of the situation, I have to be aware that it may be my last game in the selection," the Guardian quoted Demichelis as saying.
"I'm not physically ill, but I know that there are new players, where the coach has to have an eye on the project."
"The truth is that for me the next World Cup is far for my body and my mind. All this makes me say that this may be my last game. And if it is my last will be the best place for me, which is Cordoba, where I played a few times."
Irrespective of whether it is his last or not, Demichelis needs to be rock solid and help his team win back-to back matches, and move ahead in the qualifiers.
However, Argentina does not have any problem with their offencive line. Manager, Gerardo Martino could try Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain up front. Add Messi into the mix, they form an incredible trio, capable of scoring goals for fun.
With such players in Argentina's squad, Bolivia are expected to field a defencive unit in order to stop this trio from scoring goals. They are also expected to go into this fixture with a defencive mindset, but Bolivia's task has been made more difficult with Edward Zenteno and Leonel Morales set to miss the encounter.
Bolivia, if they decide to remain on their own half and defend, will attack on the counter to score goals, if a chance comes by.
Bolivia will be fortunate even if they take one point away from the game.
Where to watch live
Argentina vs Bolivia is scheduled for an 8.30 p.m. local time (5 a.m. IST, 11.35 a.m. GMT) start. Sony Six will broadcast the South American World Cup qualifier live in India. Viewers in India can also watch the Argentina vs Bolivia live on Sonyliv.
The match will be shown live in Argentina on TyC Sports Argentina. Audience in Bolivia can watch the action live on Bolivia TV.
Viewers in USA can watch the game live on Bein Sports en Espanol, with live streaming on Bein Sports Connect. Viewers in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa can watch Argentina vs Bolivia live on SuperSport, with the live stream option on SuperSport Live Video.
