Argentina vs Iraq on October 11, 2018: kick-off time, head to head, broadcast listings

Lo sentimos, esta página solo está disponible en idioma inglés.

Octubre 10, 2018 Por Ali M.

Temas: Argentina TV Schedule, Iraq TV Schedule, Football TV Schedules, Argentina, Iraq, International Friendly

In our match preview informing you where to watch Argentina's match against Iraq, we compare team statistics and analyze both teams’ form.

What is the current form of Iraq compared to Argentina?

Iraq will face the daunting task of taking on mighty Argentina, but their recent form could be a source of hope for the Middle-Eastern nation. The national team has played only six games since February and lost only once, against Qatar, beating Saudi Arabia and Palestine and drawing with Syria and Kuwait.

As for the South American powerhouse, they are likely to field a weakened team. Nonetheless, they still have rebuilding to do after their horrendous 2018 World Cup campaign, in which they won only one game (L2, D1). They have played two friendlies since then, beating Guatemala and drawing with Colombia.

Head-to-head record

Thought these two sides have never met? Well, they have, in the Merlion Cup, albeit it was Argentina's Olympic XI that took part. Iraq won on that day, marching to a 2-0 victory.

Argentina vs Iraq pre-match talk

How will Argentina fare in Messi's absence?

Lionel Messi was once again left out of the squad. The Argentine superstar has reportedly asked to be excused from international duty after the disappointment that was Russia 2018, as he looks to make a decision on his future with the national team.

The likes of Di Maria and Aguero have also been left out, which will hand Dybala and Icardi an opportunity to shine for their national team. While Iraq might be a minnow, this game will be a good preparation for their next friendly.

Scaloni with a lot to prove

Sampaoli quit as the national team manager after the 2018 World Cup farce. The former Chile boss never got to grips with things, with Lionel Scaloni eventually succeeding him in a caretaker role.

Scaloni looks to be in charge for a while, meaning he will have a chance to impress the Argentine federation. Not many are convinced. This international break will make things clearer, with La Albiceleste taking on Iraq before a highly-anticipated clash with Brazil.

Argentina vs Iraq on social media

Scaloni's lineup for the upcoming friendly remains unknown, as the manager has fielded two different lineups in Saudi Arabia. Dybala and Icardi did not feature together in the same lineup, which suggests that he wants to rest one of his two top guns for the Brazil game or they are yet to develop a formidable partnership.

The 2 @Argentina XIs tried out by Lionel Scaloni in Saudi Arabia ahead of the friendlies against Iraq and Brazil [via @DiarioOle] pic.twitter.com/u0GaEHiMzG
— Peter Coates (@golazoargentino) October 9, 2018

As for Iraq, they appear excited to take on a heavyweight of the sport. This will bring experience and exposure to the Middle-Eastern minnows.

Will be a joy to play against you on Thursday, @Argentina! #SuperClasico_in_KSA pic.twitter.com/pWp4xZuDbX
— Soccer Iraq (@SoccerIraq) October 9, 2018

Broadcast listings

In the USA, watch Argentina vs Iraq live on TV on beIN SPORTS CONNECT and beIN SPORTS. The match is also available in Spanish on beIN SPORTS en Español.
In Canada, watch Argentina vs Iraq live on TV on beIN Sports and Dazn, and Streaming on beIN SPORTS CONNECT. The match is also available in Spanish on beIN SPORTS en Español.
In Argentina, watch Argentina live on TV on TyC Sports.