- Title: Argentina train ahead of qualifier with Paraguay
- Date: 8th October 2016
- Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (OCTOBER 08, 2016) (REUTERS) WIDE OF ARGENTINA'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM PRACTISING AHEAD OF WORLD CUP QUALIFIER WITH PARAGUAY VARIOUS OF ARGENTINA TEAM PRACTICE ARGENTINA PLAYERS AT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINA MIDFIELDER, ERIK LAMELA, SAYING: "We're in the play-off zone now, but we're also close to the top and a win would change a lot for us. We're hoping to win the next game, the three points are key. A win lifts us a lot because if we win the next (game) we'll be almost in first place so we need to keep focused on the game that is coming up and try to play well on the field, be organized and plan out the game and get the three points." VARIOUS MORE OF TEAM PRACTICE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINA MIDFIELDER, ERIK LAMELA, SAYING: "Yes, we're a little upset about the end result (from the last game), whenever you're ahead, especially twice, you're left with this bitter feeling, but it's almost time for the next game and we've got a shot there to win three points which is what we want." VARIOUS MORE OF TEAM PRACTICE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINA MIDFIELDER, ERIK LAMELA, SAYING: "I think Paraguay have already forgotten about the last game (against Colombia) and are definitely going to want to win this one just like we want to win it because if you win, lose or tie in these games, it changes things a lot." VARIOUS MORE OF TEAM PRACTICE
- Embargoed: 23rd October 2016 22:36
- Keywords: Argentina Paraguay soccer World Cup
- Location: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
- City: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
- Country: Argentina
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001535A81V
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Argentina took to the practice field on Saturday (October 8) as they look for a win to over Paraguay in World Cup qualifier action in Cordoba, Argentina on October 11.
After nine matches, the halfway point in the South American qualifiers, Uruguay top the table with 19 points followed by Brazil on 18 and Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina all on 16. Paraguay are in sixth place with 12 points.
The top four South American teams go through to the 2018 finals in Russia while the team in fifth place, currently Argentina on goal difference, qualify for an intercontinental playoff against the Oceania winners for another berth.
"We're in the play-off zone now, but we're also close to the top and a win would change a lot for us. We're hoping to win the next game, the three points are key. A win lifts us a lot because if we win the next (game) we'll be almost in first place so we need to keep focused on the game that is coming up and try to play well on the field, be organized and plan out the game and get the three points," midfielder Erik Lamela said.
A win, garnering three points, could dramatically shift the standings of the tight tournament.
Lamela said his side was still upset about being held to a 2-2 draw with Peru in their last on October 6, their second consecutive draw without injured talisman Lionel Messi.
"Yes, we're a little upset about the end result (from the last game), whenever you're ahead, especially twice, you're left with this bitter feeling, but it's almost time for the next game and we've got a shot there to win three points which is what we want," he said.
Paraguay will also be looking to climb the ranks after a 0-1 loss to Colombia at home on October 6.
"I think Paraguay have already forgotten about the last game (against Colombia) and are definitely going to want to win this won just like we want to win it because if you win, lose or tie in these games, it changes things a lot," Lamela said.
Argentina will face Paraguay in front of a home crowd in Cordoba's Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes on October 11 at 8:30 p.m. (2330 GMT). - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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