World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - South America | Group Stage

Jun 9, 2021 at 12am UK

colombia

Colombia
2 - 2
Argentina

Muriel (51' pen.), Borja (90+4')
Mina (34'), Zapata (45+3'), Medina (47'), Tesillo (57'), Borja (90+1')

FT(HT: 0-2)

Romero (3'), Paredes (8')
Romero (45+9'), Otamendi (49'), Paredes (62'), Pezzella (79')

How Argentina could line up against Colombia

By Sam Varley, Reporter | 06 June 2021

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Argentina could line up for Tuesday's World Cup Qualifiers - South America clash with Colombia.

Argentina players celebrate scoring against Paraguay on November 13, 2020 © Reuters

The Argentina squad has been boosted by the return of experienced forward Sergio Aguero going into Tuesday's World Cup Qualifying game away at Colombia.

Aguero was delayed in joining the camp and was absent from the squad for their game against Chile on Friday, having featured in the Champions League final for Manchester City before signing for Barcelona and returning a positive COVID-19 test which turned out to be false.

He could come into the attack alongside his new Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who captains the side and recently took his tally to 72 international goals with a penalty in their draw with Chile last time out.

La Albiceleste have plenty more attacking options, with Angel Di Maria offering plenty of quality and experience from the wide areas, while forwards Lautaro Martinez and Angel Correa both impressed and picked up domestic league titles this season with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid respectively.

In the middle of the park, Rodrigo De Paul should feature alongside Leandro Paredes, with De Paul having caught eyes with a standout campaign for Udinese in Serie A, while Paredes had a strong season with Paris Saint-Germain, reaching the Champions League semi-final.

Benfica centre-back Nicolas Otamendi will return to bring some experience to the back line, having served a suspension last time out.

He should partner Lucas Martinez Quarta at the heart of the back four, replacing Cristian Romero who made his international debut in Otamendi's absence.

Meanwhile, Juan Foyth and Nicolas Tagliafico are expected to keep their places on either side of the back four, although Marcos Acuna does provide another left-back option if manager Lionel Scaloni opts to rotate his squad.

Emiliano Martinez will feature again between the sticks, having been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League in his first season for Aston Villa after a move from Arsenal.

Argentina possible starting lineup:E Martinez; Foyth, Otamendi, Martinez Quarta, Tagliafico; L Martinez, Paredes, De Paul, Di Maria; Aguero, Messi