Argentina shut out at La Bombonera to put World Cup spot in doubt

Argentina's chances of competing in the 2018 World Cup are slipping away.

A resolute and united Peru held Argentina to a goalless draw in Thursday's penultimate qualifier, leaving Jorge Sampaoli's side outside both the four automatic places and the play-off spot ahead of Tuesday's final test in Ecuador.

Argentina did carve out some opportunities in front of goal, but they were seldom clear chances, or were simply thwarted by the excellent Pedro Gallese in Peru's goal.

Sampaoli inherited a mess at Argentina when he was named the third overseer of its qualification bid in May. Before the 0-0 draw in Buenos Aires, La Albiceleste had used 48 players since the 2016 Copa America term, and the country's football federation continues to be at the centre of administrative gaffes.

Still, with Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, and Javier Pastore all called in at some point during the campaign for Russia 2018, more than 16 goals should've been tallied in 17 matches. Many, many more.

Messi was guilty of trying to do too much at La Bombonera. He was involved in three good chances in the opening half, but was often dropping deep to try to be involved with every facet of Argentina's play. He regularly began moves from the right, swapping passes and gliding forward to try to breach Peru's well-manned middle. He was ultimately unsuccessful, with one volleyed effort on goal somehow going out for a throw-in.

Peru's chances were predictably at a premium, although Jefferson Farfan appeared to edge the post when a devilish cross from exciting Flamengo star Miguel Trauco gleaned a rare opening. Farfan should've scored.

Two early saves from Gallese in the second stanza indicated that the home side had taken the pitch with greater purpose following Sampaoli's half-time natter. Argentina remained the dominant force throughout, despite being inconvenienced by Fernando Gago's first international outing in over two years lasting just six minutes when he was introduced in the second half.

Credit must go to Peru's defensive organisation and, in the rare moments Ricardo Gareca's lot had the ball, a willingness to play out from the back. However, the men out of possession for Argentina were too often static, and with Messi busy trying to do everything, there was also a dearth of a Juan Roman Riquelme parked in the middle - someone who can calmly pause, before unfastening Peru's defence with effortless artistry.

There was no verve and no composure. Maybe moving the venue to the intimidating Bombonera was a bad idea.

The next few days will be bloated with more mental scrutiny for the players from the country's press, before another examination of their physical capabilities - namely their ability to handle high altitude - in Quito on Tuesday. Argentina potentially missing its first World Cup since 1970 is inexcusable, and the famous flops in South America's cloud-kissing cities - La Albiceleste infamously lost 6-1 in Bolivia in 2009, and hasn't recorded a win in Ecuador since 2001 - should lead to sleepless nights in Buenos Aires and much further afield.

For those who choose to overlook his unrivalled footwork and thrilling combination of ruthlessness and selflessness, the nagging criticism for Messi is that he's never been consistent or won things for Argentina. Now is the most critical time for the rosarino to show up.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)