Los Albicelestes will be forced to claim all three points if they want to remain in contention for an automatic World Cup berth…
Game time is at 6:00pm EST, Today October 10th, 2009:
Playing For Nothing But Pride
Peru find themselves bottom of the South American World Cup qualifying group, and although they have already been eliminated from World Cup contention, they will be hoping to cause a major upset in Buenos Aires. Jose Del Solar, the coach of Peru, is well aware that his side have to be very cautious of Argentina, and because of this he has named only a single striker in his attack.
“We will play for honour”, declared the Peruvians, knowing that on Saturday they will be under observation, because whichever is the outcome of the match, much will be said by rival teams, who are still hoping to secure a place in South Africa next year. After the game Peru may be accused of several things, but the side have already affirmed that they won’t think about financial incentives or nothing like that but will go for the three points, like they did when they beat Uruguay 1-0 in Lima last month.
The teams who compete with Argentina for a place in the World Cup [Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia and Venezuela] will appreciate it very much if Argentina dropped points against Peru, because this would severely dent Argentina’s chances of reaching South Africa.
Peru are already eliminated from the World Cup, after a disastrous campaign that only saw them pick up 10 points, product of two victories, four draws and ten defeats. But they are hoping to spoil the party by picking up a rare victory at the Monumental stadium.
FORM GUIDE
Argentina
30 September (Friendly) Argentina 2-0 Ghana
9 September (WCQ) Paraguay 1-0 Argentina
5 September (WCQ) Argentina 1-3 Brazil
12 August (Friendly) Russia 2-3 Argentina
10 June (WCQ) Ecuador 2-0 Argentina
Peru
10 September (WCQ) Venezuela 3-1 Peru
5 September (WCQ) Peru 1-0 Uruguay
10 June (WCQ) Colombia 1-0 Peru
7 June (WCQ) Peru 1-2 Ecuador
1 April (WCQ) Brazil 3-0 Peru
TEAM NEWS
Argentina
Diego Maradona was furious about the fact that Pablo Zabaleta arrived in Argentina injured after turning out for Manchester City in the English Premier on Monday. But even with his absence, Maradona won’t modify tactics for the big game. Jonas Gutierrez will replace Zabaleta, but that will be the only forced changed made by Maradona. Other interesting changes were that of Pablo Aimar and Angel Di Maria in the midfield, while newcomers Emiliano Insua and Enzo Perez will also be part of the starting XI. The biggest news, however, is that Gonzalo Higuain received the nod ahead of Martin Palermo to partner Lionel Messi in Argentina’s attack.
Probable Starting XI: Romero, Gutierrez, Schiavi, Heinze, Insua, Perez, Mascherano, Di Maria, Aimar, Messi and Higuain.
Peru
Chemo Del Solar has selected a very solid side, that will intend to absorb the pressure that Argentina are likely to throw at them. Roberto Palacios is expected to be the anchor man of the side, however, he recently injured his ankle and could miss the game altogether. If he doesn’t recover in time, his place will be taken by Joel Sanchez. Johan Fano, who plays for Once Caldas of Colombia, will be the only player in Peru’s attack against Argentina.
Probable Starting XI: Butron, Prado, Zambrano, Rodriguez, Vilchez, Solano, Torres, Ballon, Vargas, Palacios and Sanchez.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina - Lionel Messi
The Barcelona superstar hasn’t been able to transmit his club form into the national team, and this has been one of Argentina’s biggest problems. Now with Pablo Aimar in the midfield, Messi will be provided with plenty more service than in Argentina’s previous encounters and this could motivate the player. If Messi is able to find anything close to his top form, it will definitely improve Argentina’s chances of claiming all three points. ‘La Pulga’ will be pressured to perform by the demanding home crowd.
Peru – Juan Vargas
Vargas has been one of Peru’s only bright spots in the World Cup qualifiers, and he proved his worth in Peru’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay last month. The left-winger has become Peru’s most important player, not only because he has attracted the interest of several top European clubs, but because he has become an irreplaceable figure for the national team, and is called upon for Peru’s inspiration. The Fiorentina man will be hoping to turn on the style at the Monumental.
Gregory Sica, Goal.com
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