Argentina line-up against Bolivia in Qualifier

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Argentina’s starting line-up for their World Cup Qualifier against Bolivia has Lionel MESSI with Lucas PRATTO up front.

When Argentina take the pitch on Tuesday against Bolivia, the starting eleven is expected to be massively different than the one which got a victory against Chile. Only four of the players who started in the 1-0 win will start the match in La Paz. Those four being Sergio ROMERO, Marcos ROJO, Angel DI MARIA and Lionel MESSI. Here’s the starting line-up:

The team:

ROMERO; RONCAGLIA, MUSACCHIO, FUNES MORI, ROJO; Enzo PEREZ, PIZARRO, BANEGA, DI MARIA; MESSI, PRATTO.

On paper, this seems a more balanced team than the one who played against Chile. Injuries and suspensions mean a different look to the team. An injury to Gabriel MERCADO (who was substitued off on a stretcher against Chile) means Facundo RONCAGLIA starts at right back. In the middle of the back line it’s Mateo MUSACCHIO and Ramiro FUNES MORI. An injury to Emmanuel MAS has Marcos ROJO start in his usual left back position for Argentina.

It’s a four man midfield as Enzo PEREZ starts on the wing. PIZARRO partners Ever BANEGA in the middle and Angel DI MARIA starts in his more familiar role on the wing.

Up front, there’s no rest for Lionel MESSI who starts again, this time with Lucas PRATTO.

Call-ups:

Argentina National Team coach Edgardo BAUZA made four call-ups to the team following the match against Chile. The first was annouced directly after the match and was that of striker Lucas ALARIO. The other two were Matias CARUZZO and Ivan MARCONE. There was a fourth player called-up in Javier PINOLA.

The last time Argentina played Bolivia in La Paz in 2013 where they managed to get a 1-1 draw through an Ever BANEGA goal. With BANEGA starting, Argentina will be hoping he can score again and this time have it be in a win.

25 Comments

  1. the tragedy is the only time others get a chance is injuries or suspensions, this has been the bane of the last 3 coaches who have all be part of this error.
    they all have failed to try other options when their original plan A was not working and when the poo hits the fan we get let down again and again as we all know what will happen no matter the bol result and no matter how good a new players plays that the status quo will have their jersey back as soon as the next game roll around.

  2. I hope and pray to GOD that Musacchio/FunesMori/Rojo will be able to keep up and be in best shape of their lives! that altitude in La Paz will take a toll on them, but they all 3 are young (26 & 27) so show us stability or we are gonna get crushed on the counters!

  3. I think our fullbacks and wingers should brace themselves for a super tough match. These matches are almost always played exclusively on wings and I believe they have very pacey runners in their team. They will try to run attacks down our wings over the course of 90 minutes and since we will not be able to run as hard as them, it will become mighty difficult.

    In no circumstances this is going to be a pretty match, rather very far from it. It is going to a dog fight, where our wingers will be tested the most. Our best chance of win will arrive if we could snick in a cagey early goal or Messi could score a freekick or anything early. It will be almost impossible to score from build-up play.

    • I love his overall style of play. So much technical skills involved. Wonder why ubeda did not call him up for the under 20 world cup.

      • Because he wasn’t eligible… Remember, only the ones born from the 1st January 1997 and beyond are eligible for the current sub-20. Suarez being 1996 class, he can’t be called up.

      • Now Ubeda should take Maxi Lovera of Rosario Central. A bit similar to Suarez. Last weekend with good game once again.

        Lovera (Central), Sosa, Cardozo and Mierez (Tigre), Ascacibar, Rodriguez, Cejas (Estudiantes), Martinez, Mansilla (Racing), Palacios (River) Senesi, Rojas, Conechny, Zalazar (San Lorenzo), Brunetta (Arsenal Sarandi), Romero (Belgrano), Vadala, Andereggen (Union) – all they are eligible and all they have played in last weekend for their clubs.

  4. the lineup Looks solid…balanced…it is time to drop di Maria and Play acuna…but at all…this Team should beat bolivia and the qualification for russia is looking good….with the last two games at home…we will make it….and before the wc there is enough time for preparation to get a Team that can try and win this fucking Cup finally…then this Generation is finally dead and something ew has to be formed…hopefully with a really good coach

    • I agree Gonzalo. The midfield especially looks a lot more dynamic as compared to the mascherano-biglia duo. hopefully they will impress and maybe change bauza’s mind. wishful thinking?

  5. I think this is a more balanced team. If Dimaria does not run aimlessly and preserve his energy, we could do well.

    As I said before, the real problem is Romero. Everyone knows any shot at goal has more than 50% chance of a goal. The defense stays too close to him and cannot move the lines up creating gaps in midfield and between the forwards.

    This would have been a good game for Icardi actually.

    • They are future for Argentina !!
      Number of young star with bright Future!!
      Icardi, Pavon, Centurion, Simeone, Vietto, Calleri,Lautaro MARTINEZ, De Paul, Lo Celso, Joaquín Correa, Ocampos, Ascacibar……

      • as well River trio Nacho Fernandez, Pity Martinez and Driussi. see some analogy. Benedetto and Nacho born ’90, Centurion and Pity ’93, Pavon and Driussi ’96.

        • If pity martinez can be consistent, he will be quite a player. Also, Pavon with his straight chest and direct play reminds me of a young CR7, though he is not as strong as Ronaldo is physically.
          What about River’s Quarta?

          • Agree, Pity Martinez the only problem is consistency. But last 2 games very good.

            Martinez Quarta – I’ve mentioned him few times here. Another after Mammana CB future prospect of River for NT

          • WHile Centurion most Brazilian dribling style of all Argentines. A bit like Neymar. Toutes proportions gardees

  6. 2006 Argentine Team was – The Team.
    .
    Unforgettable Team and still can’t get over it…(throw in Zanetti and Samuel instead of Scaloni and Cufre… there you are with the best ever)
    .
    Riquelme loss for NT will be forever felt for the way we treated him… He really deserved more… He is beyond words for me… Pekerman too… it was magic flowing on all fronts
    .
    Im really moved writing about that ‘romantic team of 2006’

  7. Its look good,Specially Midfield, It will be a nice combination
    (Enzo Pérez,Pizarro,Banega,Di María) looks solid with MESSI and Pratto as up front!!!

    Looking forward to see how Musacchio is going to handle Defense as lead !!

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