World Cup 2022: Argentina Primed to Add to Peru’s Problems

World Cup 2022: Argentina Primed to Add to Peru’s Problems

Peru vs Argentina

Argentina’s perfect start to World Cup 2022 qualifying came to an end as they could only draw 1-1 at home to Paraguay. Once again, La Albiceleste’s Lionel Messi-led attack looked far from convincing against a team they should be beating more comfortably.

However, Argentina have a perfect opportunity to turn up the style as they take on a struggling Peru side. Los Incas have made a poor start to qualifying as they’ve picked up just one point from their first three matches.

Talking Points

Peru’s problems mounting

Peru have some big problems at the moment. After drawing with Paraguay in their opening match, they’ve now suffered back-to-back defeats to Brazil and Chile, which is why they are currently third from bottom in the table.

Peru’s form has been on the decline for some time now. Their 1-0 win over Brazil in a friendly back in September of last year is their only victory in their last nine matches (two draws, six defeats).

Defending has been a major factor in Peru’s significant dip in form. They have already conceded eight goals in their first three qualifying matches, the second-worst defensive record in South America.

Meanwhile, Peru are still without captain and all-time leading goalscorer Paolo Guerrero. The 36-year-old, who has 38 goals in 102 international appearances, is still recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered back in August. Veteran striker Jefferson Farfan (27 goals in 97 caps) is also currently out due to injury.

But despite being without two of their most prolific forwards of all-time, Peru surprisingly hadn’t had as hard of a time scoring goals. They scored twice in each of their first two games, with Andre Carillo grabbing three of those goals.

Argentina’s attack underwhelms again

Argentina still can’t seem to find their groove in attack as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Paraguay. The Argentines dominated 69 per cent of possession and had 15 shots, but only five were on target.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez was guilty of missing a couple of great chances, while Lionel Messi — who hasn’t been in top form for Barcelona this season — had two goals disallowed by VAR.

The Argentines have scored just four goals in their first three qualifying matches, tied with Peru and Paraguay for the third-fewest in CONMEBOL.

The last time Argentina scored more than two goals in a competitive match was when they scored three in a 4-3 defeat to France in the 2018 World Cup round of 16. And with the way they’ve been playing, the World Cup 2022 betting odds rightly have them outside the list of top favourites to win the tournament.

This lack of fluency in attack despite having some of the most talented attacking players in the world has been a longstanding problem for Argentina and one that manager Lionel Scaloni doesn’t look close to solving.

But at the very least, Argentina have been getting results. They’ve won 14 of 24 matches with Scaloni in charge, with six draws and just four defeats.

Argentina should fancy their chances of adding another win to their record when they take on a struggling Peru side. Although, the Argentines struggled to create too many World Cup 2022 highlights when they narrowly beat Bolivia, who have been arguably the worst team in qualifying thus far.

History

Argentina have dominated Peru over the years. They have 33 wins to Peru’s seven, with 14 draws. Over the last 33 years, Peru have just one win against Argentina. That came in the 1997 Copa America.

Although, Peru have at least been somewhat competitive in recent years. They’ve drawn four of their last six meetings, including each of the last two. All six games have been World Cup qualifiers.

Betting Tip

Argentina 1X2 @ 1.83

SBOTOP odds have Argentina priced as significant 1.83 favourites to pick up another win over Peru, who are 4.10 to score a sizable upset. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.45.

But based on Peru’s poor form of late, it’s hard not to see Argentina bounce back and get the away win. There’s still too much quality in that Albiceleste side, and with the Peruvian defence’s recent struggles, they might even get a couple of goals en route to a relatively comfortable win.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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