Argentina, Brazil back on track, Chile crash

Two-time World Cup winners Argentina – who had taken just two points from their first three matches – claimed their first win, downing Colombia 1-0 in Barranquilla thanks to a first half goal from Lucas Biglia.

Tim Vickery over at ESPN FC explained in his pre-match article that Brazil need a victory today since the tie with Argentina hasn’t done much for them in terms of getting to the qualifiers. He led the team to the final of the Copa America this past summer, but Argentina has had a poor start to its qualifying run toward Russian Federation. Argentina suffered a further jolt in their opening qualifier, when they lost at home to Ecuador for the first time in history.

Interestingly, Colombia have won just one of their last nine matches against Argentina, that being a 2-1 home win in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers (played in 2007).

Gonzalo Higuain returned to bolster an Argentina side that was a lowly ninth in the standings going into the clash in Barranquilla. “No luck”, added Ole Sports. Argentina were the better side on Friday but failed to convert their chances and had to pay for the lack of incisiveness. In stark contrast, La Tri are in buoyant mood thanks to their ideal start in the qualifiers, though they will be hampered by the injury-enforced absences of Antonio Valencia, Enner Valencia and Michael Arroyo. Martino, meanwhile, ramped up the pressure on his team by stating that they must take all three points.

“We know the path we are looking for and the table does not change our view”. Colombia were somewhat lucky to get a draw in Chile after struggling for long periods in the game and look a little disjointed at the moment.

Tata Martino will be hoping his team get a similar result like the one four years ago which launched them on the road to the 2014 World Cup finals.

“What happened between Jara and Cavani is part of football”.

On that occasion Cavani was sent off after lashing out at Jara when the Chilean defender attempted to poke a finger into the Uruguayan striker’s backside.

In November 2011, former coach Alejandro Sabella’s side arrived at the Metropolitano stadium with four points from three matches fresh from a humiliating 1-0 defeat in Venezuela. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez emphatically refused to revisit the issue when asked for his thoughts on Tuesday’s game.

“I am proud to play alongside James, because he’s a good person and a great player”, Cardona said.