Colombia come into this fixture after securing a 1-1 draw with Chile when a 68th strike from Real Madrid star forward James Rodriguez cancelled out Arturo Vidal’s opening goal for the hosts. The home side are fighting for a top-five finish in the 10-team table, while their opponents Argentina are desperately looking for their first win after a one-all draw with Brazil.
Argentina have had a poor start in the campaign having drawn two and won only one out of their last three fixtures. The two-time FIFA World Cup winners sit at the 9th position on the log, just two points ahead of bottom-placed Venezuela who are yet to win a match in this competition.
Meanwhile, coach Gerardo Martino has insisted that his team must beat Colombia to keep their World Cup qualifying dreams alive. The team is facing a major striking crisis following the exclusion of FC Barcelona star Leonel Messi, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and Boca Juniors goal-poacher Carloz Tevez due to injury problems.
Speaking to the media, the former Argentina footballer-cum-manager said:
"It was a positive performance, but from the points no.’’
"We need to win in Colombia.’’
"The team made an effort throughout the match to win, this was highlighted in the first half. They [Brazil] had an effectiveness that we did not."
The former Barcelona coach added:
"If the response is that we must stand up, so be it."
Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore is the latest addition to the long-list of injured Argentine players after suffering a thigh-injury. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder was officially released from international duty on Friday, adding another headache to Albiceleste head coach.
On the other hand, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is hoping to continue proving his critics wrong, including club manager Rafael Benitez. The 24-year-old midfielder, who had been ranked as the best young players in the world last year, scored the equalizer for Colombia against Chile. Rafael Benitez had earlier dismissed the player for not being fit enough to last 90 minutes on the pitch for the Los Blancos and his country.
Rodriguez celebrates his equalizer for Colombia against Chile
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On the contrary, he played for a full 90 minutes for his country on Thursday and topped up his impressive performance with an equalizer against their South American rivals. Speaking to the media about his performance and fitness level, James explained:
''I am totally fine and yet some people keep saying I'm not fit.’’
He was most probably referring to Rafael Benitez.
Live Soccer TV has all the broadcast information you need to watch Colombia vs Argentina live on November 17, 2015. See below for automated TV listings in your country.
Quick facts
- Out of their last 13 meetings, Argentina have won 8, drawn 3 and lost 2
- Argentina have scored 24 goals against Colombia in their last 13 meetings
- Colombia have scored 14 goals against Argentina in their last 13 meetings
- The last two fixtures between the two sides ended in a goalless draw
- Colombia last beat Argentina in 2007 during the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers
Head to head
Probable lineups
Colombia: Ospina, Arias, Murillo, Zapata, Fabra, Sanchez, Mejia, Torres, James, Jackson, Muriel
Argentina: Romero, Roncoglia, Otamendi, Funes Mori, Rojo, Mascherano, Biglia, Banega, Di Maria, Higuain, Lavezzi
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Colombia 0 - 1 Argentina
November 17, 2015 3:30pmEstadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez (Barranquilla)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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