Spanish Commentary
By FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT
Argentina vs Peru 0-0 Highlights & Goals
05 October 2017.
ARGENTINA 0 PERU 0: MESSI UNABLE TO LIFT HOSTS AS WORLD CUP HOPES FADE
Argentina pushed as hard as they could as they put Peru under plenty of pressure from start to finish, but, in the end, they were unable to find a way past their visitors' stubborn back line. Once again, they failed to impress in front of goal, where at times Messi seemed to be the only player truly trying. Another disappointing result has left their World Cup fate largely out of their hands, as they must head into their final qualifying game outside of the top five and in real danger of failing to reach next year's tournament.
Argentina's hopes of featuring at next year's World Cup hang in the balance following Thursday's 0-0 stalemate at home to Peru.
Argentina's World Cup qualification hopes were dealt another blow after they were held to a goalless draw by Peru in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi weaved his magic and hit the post but he was unable to lift Argentina to victory as Jorge Sampaoli's slumping side dropped out of the qualification spots for next year's showpiece tournament on Thursday.
The blockbuster fixture against fourth-placed Peru at the iconic La Bombonera – home of Boca Juniors – could not inspire Argentina, who controlled proceedings but were unable to find a way past Pedro Gallese in the Argentine capital.
Messi playing ahead of Paulo Dybala who was an unused substitute along with Mauro Icardi – huffed and puffed, teeing up surprise inclusion Dario Benedetto, debutant Emiliano Rigoni and Marcos Acuna, though his team-mates failed to capitalise.
