Argentina coach Diego Maradona will be in the spotlight as six South American countries battle for the final berths for the 2010 World Cup final starting on Saturday.
With Brazil and Paraguay already assured of their tickets to South Africa next year, Maradona’s Argentina and five other teams will be vying for the two remaining automatic qualifying spots with the fifth-placed team going into a play-off.
Argentina, who have been further weakened by squabbling Fotbollskläder barn billigt between Maradona and general manager Carlos Bilardo, need to beat Peru on Saturday, in the penultimate qualifier.
A defeat in Buenos Aires against tailenders Peru, who are already out of the running, would not end Argentina’s World Cup dream. But it would make their task extremely difficult before their visit to dangerous rivals Uruguay on Wednesday, who could also still be looking to qualify if they draw against Ecuador at the weekend.
Footballing legend Maradona acknowledged that after a disastrous qualifying campaign his job was on the line and he might quit after their must-win qualifiers.
The beleaguered football legend even sought divine intervention as he pondered Argentina’s chances of reaching the World Cup finals.
“The bearded one (God) saved me many times before – and I hope he will do so this time,” said Maradona.
The 1986 world champion famously dubbed his first griezmann tröja frankrike quarter-final goal in that year’s competition the work of the “hand of God”.
Argentina are five points behind third-placed Chile (27) with Ecuador on 23. Sixth-placed Uruguay (21), Venezuela (21) and Colombia (20), are also in the running for qualification.
Bolivia (12) and Peru (10), are already ruled out, but will be eager to ensure that they avoid the humiliation of finishing last in the standings.
One of the two automatic qualifying spots looks certain to go to Chile, who will qualify if they beat Colombia on Saturday.
For the other, Argentina are trailing Ecuador and are just one point ahead of Uruguay and Venezuela. Maradona’s side must also be wary of Colombia who are just two points behind them.
The slightest slip up will mean Argentina fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1970.