Match Previews

On the brink of elimination and badly need a win. No fresh injury worries.

Suffered an ignominious 3:0 loss at the hands of Croatia last Thursday and already look on the brink of dismal World Cup exit. The team looked overall solid in the first half but the wheels well and truly came off in the second as a disastrous mistake from Willy Caballero allowed the Croatians to take the lead.

Argentina panicked and never really threatened after conceding that goal and two more goals conceded in the final ten minutes sent Jorge Sampaoli's men packing. They have a mere one point from the first two games but in any case still have a chance of qualifying.

Need to recover quickly and keep their heads straight for the final group game against Nigeria, which is basically do or die. A win could provide salvation and earn a place in the last-16 but anything less than that means early exit.

It remains to be seen what will be the reaction of the squad after the disaster in the last game and the body language of Lionel Messi was especially concerning, while manager Sampaoli seemed to be unravelling as well.

The suggestions coming up fro the camp are that there will be a return to four at the back. The introduction of Ever Banega looks like a logical move and Angel di Maria is primed for a recall as well. Keeper Caballero is also set to be dropped after the shocker he had and Franco Armani is set to get his first cap.

There are no fresh injury concerns for the manager. Manuel Lanzini, Sergio Romero, Emmanuel Mammana and Dario Bennedetto are all sidelined.