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2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier: Brazil prepare to face Argentina

Thursday, 10 November 2016 9:22 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 10 November 2016 9:26 AM ]

©AFP

Brazil have hit the training ground ahead of their very exciting 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against old rivals Argentina.

The Brazilians held their last training session on Wednesday at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte where they have some unhappy memories. It was the scene of their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Brazil are one of the sides projected to advance in the 2018 World Cup in Russia as they are currently the best team in the qualifiers, leading the standings with 21 points. Youngster Gabriel Jezoos may lead the attack alongside Neymar, with Pauleenyo in midfield alongside Willian, Philippe Coutinyo and Manchester City's Fernandinyo.

Argentina's national footballers Lionel Messi (L) and Angel Di Maria are pictured during a training session at Atletico MG Training Center in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on November 8, 2016 ahead of their WC 2018 qualifier match against Brazil on November 10. (Photo by AFP)

That’s while Argentina have also been gearing up for their crucial encounter against Brazil.

The Argentineans have been struggling with confidence and are not in their good form as they've been losing points in 3 straight matches that they played without Lionel Messi. But the 5-time world player of the year is now back in his national team and is fit for the upcoming game, boosting his co-players’ confidence.

Argentina will have to win the Thursday match as they are currently 6th in the standings with 16 points, which is outside the qualification zone. The top 4 teams from the Conmebol automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Moving to Europe, but still with the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Spain have also been preparing for their Group G match with Macedonia

The Spaniards will be seeking to consolidate their position at the top of the Group when they travel to Macedonia on Saturday. But, there’s some bad news for head coach Julien Lopeteggi who will be without the services of key players Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Serkhio Ramos, Jordi Alba and Khavi Martinez due to injuries.

The 2010 World Cup winners have managed to win 7 points from 3 matches so far and share the summit with Italy.

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