On Tuesday night, Colombia will host table-toppers Argentina in their South American World Cup qualifying match in Barranquilla. Colombia remains unbeaten after securing a late equalizer against Peru last week, while Argentina, having enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, is already eyeing a spot in the World Cup.
The matchup will be a rematch of the Copa America final from July, where Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez scored in the 112th minute to clinch a second consecutive title. This encounter will be a repeat of the intense Copa final, where Colombia, making their first final appearance in 23 years, faced Argentina.
The Copa defeat was Nestor Lorenzo’s first loss as Colombia’s manager, following 26 games in charge, and the first for Los Cafeteros since their previous defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Colombia vs. Argentina: Team Form and Head-to-Head
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In their first match after the Copa final, Colombia managed to draw 1-1 with Peru, thanks to a late goal from Luis Diaz. Despite Peru’s low standing with only two points from six matches, any away result in CONMEBOL qualifying is a positive. This draw brought Colombia to 13 points, placing them third and comfortably in the automatic qualifying spots.
Argentina, meanwhile, extended their lead at the top by defeating Chile 3-0 at home earlier in matchday seven. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured the win, leaving Argentina with 18 points from 21 and 12 points clear in the automatic qualifying spots. They are on track to qualify for a 14th consecutive World Cup, having not missed a finals since 1970.
Argentina has a strong away record in CONMEBOL, remaining unbeaten in their last 13 away qualifiers. With Brazil underperforming and Uruguay and Colombia dropping points recently, the team is expected to finish top of the group. Continuing their unbeaten run against a solid Colombia team will further solidify their position.
Colombia vs. Argentina: Team News
Colombia will be missing two key players: veteran goalkeeper David Ospina and defender Davinson Sanchez, both sidelined with injuries. Jhon Cordoba, who started over in-form Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran in Lima, may be replaced by Duran. James Rodriguez, who has been recovering from the Copa final, is expected to start and captain the side after a substitute appearance against Peru.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is the standout player, having scored the equalizer against Peru and providing strong performances in the Premier League.
Argentina will be without Lionel Messi, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa final. Additionally, defenders Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi are injured, and Lucas Martinez Quarta has been dropped. With Angel Di Maria retiring, Matias Soule could make his debut, and Taty Castellanos has received his first call-up, making a late appearance in the win over Chile.
Possible Starting Lineups
Colombia: Vargas; Munoz, Lucumi, Mina, Mojica; Rios, Lerma, Arias; James, Duran, Diaz
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, L. Martinez; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso; Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
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