- Title: Argentina eye victory in World Cup qualifier against Peru despite Messi absence
- Date: 5th October 2016
- Summary: LIMA, PERU (OCTOBER 4, 2016) (REUTERS) ****WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** BUS CARRYING ARGENTINE TEAM ARRIVING AT STADIUM ARGENTINE FAN SHOWING TEAM SHIRT WIDE OF SOCCER FIELD VARIOUS OF ARGENTINE PLAYERS DURING TRAINING ARGENTINE MIDFIELDER JAVIER MASCHERANO WALKING TOWARDS BENCH ARGENTINE SOCCER PLAYERS ANGEL CORREA, GUIDO PIZARRO ARRIVING FOR NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE FORWARD, ANGEL CORREA, SAYING: "We have come to train together all of us. We know that they (Peru) need to win but we have also come to play our game and try to take three points." MEDIA AT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE MIDFIELDER, GUIDO PIZARRO, SAYING: "In their (Peru's) offensive they have a stop tactic which they will try to use. I think that in trying to take points away from them that they are going to take more risks and we need to be prepared, knowing that we need to concentrate on defence knowing that they will leave room for this. We need to take advantage of this." MORE OF MEDIA AT NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE FORWARD, ANGEL CORREA, SAYING: "There is only one Messi. I am happy to be here and if I am to replace him then I will try to do it in the best way possible and help the team." VARIOUS OF ARGENTINE PLAYERS LEAVING NEWS CONFERENCE
- Embargoed: 20th October 2016 03:51
- Keywords: Peru soccer Argentina training World Cup qualifier
- Location: LIMA, PERU
- City: LIMA, PERU
- Country: Peru
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA00152LBZ9B
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Argentina's soccer team was in Lima on Tuesday (October 4) to step up training ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Peru, hoping to clinch three points to bring them closer to the 2018 tournament.
In Peru for the game are heavyweights Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. But doubts remain over the team with Lionel Messi struggling with a groin injury.
In the South American qualifier, Argentina is just one point from first place but also only four points from dropping out of the succession round to the World Cup.
Peru needs to clinch this win to keep its tournament hopes alive. They are languishing in second-last spot between Venezuela and Bolivia.
Argentine forward Angel Correa told media his side will do Peru no favours by conceding the three points of a victory.
"We have come to train together all of us. We know that they (Peru) need to win but we have also come to play our game and try to take three points."
Although the clear favourites, Argentina are not dismissing their Andean rivals.
"In their (Peru's) offensive they have a stop tactic which they will try to use. I think that in trying to take points away from them that they are going to take more risks and we need to be prepared, knowing that we need to concentrate on defence knowing that they will leave room for this. We need to take advantage of this," added midfielder, Guido Pizarro.
Messi has proved crucial in previous qualifiers with Argentina. No replacement has yet been called for the Barcelona star but forward Angel Correa said Messi cannot be replaced.
"There is only one Messi. I am happy to be here and if I am to replace him then I will try to do it in the best way possible and help the team," he added.
Peru and Argentina kick off their qualifier on Thursday (October 6).
The top four South American teams secure automatic qualification for Russia 2018 with the fifth place team battling a two-legged play off with a team from Oceania. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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