Last time Argentina played Bolivia in La Paz in a World Cup qualifier, the Albiceleste were embarrassed to the tune of a 6-1 defeat. Though they eventually qualified for the World Cup, that defeat put their qualification in doubt and created a serious uphill climb towards a berth in South Africa. Alejandro Sabella, perhaps a bit too aware of the fact that a match in La Paz is a different prospect than anywhere else, has altered his lineup significantly.
Bolivia vs. Argentina: Lineups
Alejandro Sabella has selected a bizarre lineup, featuring a three-man defense, specifically designed to counter Bolivia and their home-field advantage in La Paz.
The team that has done so well in qualifying for Argentina has been put aside for one that matches up specifically with Bolivia's counter-attacking 4-4-2 lineup. Rodrigo Palacio comes in up top, while the defense shifts to a back three. The fullbacks aren't exactly hyper-attacking, so it might look like more of a back five at times. Could Argentina actually be playing for a draw against Bolivia?
Bolivia lineup (4-4-2): Carlos Arias; Rony Giménez, Edward Centeno, Luis Gutiérrez, Marvin Bejarano; Alejandro Chumacero, Ronald García, Gualberto Mojica, Walter Veizaga; Carlos Saucedo, Marcelo Martins
Argentina lineup (3-4-2-1): Sergio Romero; Hugo Campagnaro, Sebastian Domínguez, Jose Maria Basanta; Gino Peruzzi, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega, Clemente Rodriguez; Angel Di María, Lionel Messi; Rodrigo Palacio
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