Argentina to face Paraguay in World Cup qualifier

Argentina will face Paraguay on Tuesday in a crucial match where Argentina will need a win to keep their hope alive to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup.

The match will be played in the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium located in the Argentine city of Cordoba, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Argentine side, coached by Edgardo Bauza, enter the match after drawing 2-2 against Peru in the Peruvian capital of Lima.

So far Argentina are fifth with 16 points on the standings, behind Uruguay, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. Only the top teams earn automatic berths to Russia while the fifth team has to play in playoff.

The coach confirmed that Mateo Musacchi, Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Mercado would join defence, replacing Ramiro Funes Mori, Nicolas Otamendi and Pablo Zabaleta, who are all serving a one-match-ban.

Ever Banega will also join the team in midfield, taking the place of Matias Kranevitter, while Nicolas Gaitan could replace Angel di Maria. Angel Correa will take up the offence in Sergio "Kun" Aguero's place, who is injured.

Paraguay come into the match after a 1-0 defeat against Colombia at home. They are sixth with 12 points.

Paraguay's coach, Francisco Arce, has thought about modifying half the team, including the goalkeeper, since Justo Villar will be replaced by Diego Bareto.

--IANS

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