Argentina sits atop the CONMEBOL table with 20 points and will take on a desperate Venezuelan side that is trying to separating itself from Uruguay and Chile; all three sides are tied with 12 points for the fourth and fifth World Cup berths.
For Argentina, their match against Venezuela gives them a chance to exact revenge for a 1-0 loss they suffered back on Oct. 11, 2011. Since that game Argentina has not suffered a single qualifying loss, but the team knows that Venezuela will still pose a serious challenge. "Venezuela has progressed and everything they have achieved was earned because this team is quite different from that playing the qualifiers years ago," Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano told the media.
"After a lot of less than favorable results the fans were not so devoted and now they have more illusions than ever before," superstar Lionel Messi added. "This is great and we have to remain united to reach the goal we all want. Venezuela knows why they are playing and what they want so they will be a tough rival."
He added, "Tomorrow's match is going to be tough because Venezuela has a good team that is pulled together and can hold its own against our fast pace," he said. "We have to be ourselves and play the game we have been playing up until now."
The Venezuelans are confident that they can take down Argentina as well. "It's motivating to beat Argentina or get a good result against them," said Venezuelan coach Cesar Farias. "This Argentina is much better than (the team) that went to Puerto de la Cruz but Venezuela are also a more mature national team."
Prediction: Argentina should have no problem in this match and should win 2-1.
Start Time: 8 PM EST
TV: beIN Sport USA
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
