Argentina kick off their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign at home to Ecuador on Thursday, with Tata Martino’s men still smarting from their defeat in the Copa América final to hosts Chile back in July. Though they’ve not played a competitive game since that painful penalty shootout blow, the Albiceleste have played a couple of friendlies, following up a 7-0 thrashing of Bolivia with a frustrating 2-2 draw to the ever-unpredictable Mexico.
Argentina vs. Ecuador live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch World Cup qualifying online
An Argentina side short of Lionel Messi will look to avoid an upset at home to Ecuador on Thursday.
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They’ll certainly be fancying their chances against an Ecuador team that had arguably an even more disappointing run in the Copa América, with a shock defeat to Bolivia in the group stages meaning they failed to make it past the first round. However, coach Gustavo Quinteros will be rather more pleased with the 2-0 win his side picked up in a friendly against Honduras last month, and will doubtless look for his side to play solid, defensive football.
Key player: Carlos Tevez (Argentina)
Carlos Tevez opted to leave Serie A champions and Champions League runners-up Juventus to rejoin Boca Juniors over the summer, though there’s no doubt he could still be competing at world football’s highest level. The 31-year-old is an incredibly talented player, wreaking havoc with his endless movement in the opposition third. In the absence of the injured Lionel Messi, Tevez is the man Argentina will turn to for inspiration, and you’d be brave to bet against him providing it.
Recent history
Despite Argentina being the considerably stronger team, recent fixtures between these sides have tended to be very close. Argentina have won their last two at home, but failed to win in four attempts on the road. Given that this match is in Buenos Aires they’ll certainly be expecting to pick up three points, but don’t be surprised if this game end up being closer than the pundits are suggesting.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. and Canada - Spanish)
Online: Fubo TV (U.S.), beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada)
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