Argentina, Ecuador look to improve away

TodayBolivia vs Uruguay 22:00Venezuela vs Ecuador 23:55 SS3Paraguay vs Peru

Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Uruguay to consolidate their place at the top of the South American World Cup Qualifiers. Net photo.

TodayBolivia vs Uruguay 22:00Venezuela vs Ecuador 23:55 SS3Paraguay vs Peru    Wednesday    Chile vs Argentina 02:05 SS3SANTIAGO – Winning on the road is tough in South America’s World Cup qualifiers but that is what Argentina and Ecuador must do if they are to stay at the top of the standings on Tuesday.Argentina, rampant at home and leaders with 17 points from eight matches at the halfway stage in the nine-nation group, have managed one win in three away games before facing Chile in Santiago.Ecuador, a point behind, will be looking for a first away win against Venezuela at Puerto La Cruz after taking all but one of their 16 points at home, benefiting from the thin air of Quito at 2 800 metres that troubles teams coming in from sea level.Colombia, also on 16 points and in second place on goal difference, are the best away team with wins in Peru and Chile but they have a bye and will not play another qualifier until March.Both Argentina and Ecuador need to address their away form as they will play five times on the road in their remaining eight matches.Coach Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina, who made a weak start to the qualifiers including a shock defeat in Venezuela, are improving led by Lionel Messi who scored twice in the 3-0 home victory over Uruguay on Friday.But they played poorly and were lucky to take a point in a 1-1 draw in their last away match in Peru. "Chile will be tough rivals. They need to win and climb positions to qualify for the World Cup,” Messi said.