There are few national teams in the world playing as well as Argentina, which is cruising to what looks like a sure berth to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. That’s the challenge facing Peru on Thursday as it heads to Buenos Aires in the hope of leaving with at least a point to keep dreaming of joining Lionel Messi and Argentina in Qatar.
Peru (3-6-2, 11 points) is four points out of fifth place in the South American qualifying standings, which would guarantee advancement to a World Cup play-in series against a team from another region. A narrow 1-0 loss in Bolivia on Sunday was a serious blow to the Peruvians’ qualifying hopes and a trip to Argentina’s Estadio Monumental will prove even more daunting.
The reigning Copa America champion Argentina (6-0-4, 22 points) is unbeaten in 24 consecutive games since July 2019. In front of its supporters at the Estadio Monumental, the Argentines put on another show in a 3-0 win over Uruguay in their last outing Sunday. It wasn’t all smooth sailing in that match, and Argentina could’ve easily fallen behind if not for a couple of stellar stops from goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez. But history is in its favor against Peru.
MORE: South America standings, results & schedule
