Argentina vs. Ecuador Preview
Argentina and Ecuador were expected to be competitive throughout World Cup qualifying and as they currently pace the South America group along with Colombia, the two clubs are poised to continue their strong qualification run. Argentina won't drop out of the group's top spot with a loss or draw Tuesday night but a win will certainly give them a big cushion moving forward. Ecuador on the other hand could use the three points earned through victory as they hope to catch Argentina and move away from Colombia, a team they're currently knotted up with since each team has 20 points through 11 matches played. Colombia battles Peru Tuesday night.
Although they've been magnificent thus far in the qualifying stages -- earning 7 victories and 4 draws in 12 matches -- Argentina may once again be without the best player in the world. Lionel Messi hasn't taken the field for a national team match in over a month as he continues to battle a sore hamstring. Without their star forward on the field in their last qualifying match against Colombia, Argentina struggled offensively, playing to a 0-0 draw against a team they probably should have defeated. Not yet knowing if he'll be able to go Tuesday night, Messi knows his team will be prepared regardless of his status.
As World Cup qualifying continues, Argentina and Ecuador will meet in Ecuador on Tuesday, June 11. The match will begin at 5:00 p.m., EDT with television coverage provided by beIn Sport.