Argentina team captain Javier Mascherano. (Photo : Getty Images)
Hard-fighting team Colombia (1-1-1, 4 points) is set to meet winless fan-favorite Argentina (0-1-2, 2 points) in Matchday 4 of the CONMEBOL 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla on Tuesday, November 17.
Colombia is coming off a great performance against defending Copa America champions Chile in a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago last Thursday, as per ESPN.
The team's stars provided the goals for both teams in a highly entertaining matchup as Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal scored the opening goal for La Roja at the 44th minute while returning Los Cafeteros winger, Real Madrid's James Rodríguez, forced the stalemate with a strike at the 67th before both the defenses held on until full time.
Meanwhile, FIFA world no. 3 Argentina remained winless with also a 1-1 draw against Brazil at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires on Friday, via Bleacher Report.
Three-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi is still absent for Gerardo Martino's squad but his Barcelona teammate, Seleção captain Neymar is already available for head coach Dunga's wards.
Paris Saint-Germain forward found the back of the net at the 37th to give La Albiceleste an early 1-0 lead, but the Canarinho's attacking midfielder Lucas Lima equalized it at the 58th minute in the second half to preserve the one point in the overall standings for Brazil.
It was the first time in the history of Argentina to be winless in the first three games of a World Cup qualifying tournament and they are almost bound to win in this next match against Colombia, although José Pékerman's squad will not be easily cracked and may even pull off an upset.
The predicted result is Argentina over Colombia, 1-0.
Colombia starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Ospina; Zapata, Arias, Fabra, Murillo; Sánchez, Rodriguez, Mejia, Torres; Muriel, Martinez
Argentina starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Romero; Roncaglia, Mori, Rojo, Otamendi; Biglia, Di María, Mascherano, Banega; Higuaín, Lavezzi
