2009-06-09 19:35:04 -
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Argentina has several problems as it prepares for its World Cup qualifier at Ecuador on Wednesday _ Quito's altitude of 2,850 meters (9,300 feet), and the possible absence of star striker Lionel Messi.
In April, Bolivia embarrassed Argentina 6-1 in La Paz, where the altitude problem is even worse _ 3,650 meters (12,000 feet).
«We'll try to learn how to handle the altitude, which won't be as bad this time as it was in Bolivia,» Argentina coach Diego Maradona said.
Missing Messi could be even more critical.
The Barcelona striker is carrying a yellow card. If he picks up another, he'll be suspended for the next match, which is a classic _ Argentina vs. Brazil on Sept. 5.
Following that game, Argentina has three more qualifiers, and two are likely to be difficult. It's Paraguay vs. Argentina (Sept. 8), Argentina vs. Peru (Oct. 10) and Uruguay vs. Argentina (Oct. 13).
Argentina is comfortable in its qualifying position, looking on course to reach the World Cup next year in South Africa. However, a stumble in Ecuador could increase the pressure on Maradona, who is still trying to convince he's as good at coaching as he was at playing.
Brazil and Paraguay each have 24 points from 13 games in South America's 10-team group. Brazil leads on goal difference. They are followed by: Chile (23), Argentina (22), Uruguay (17), Ecuador (17) Venezuela (16), Colombia (14), Bolivia (12) and Peru (7).
Messi or no Messi, beating Argentina will be tough.
«Messi is a great player, everybody knows that,» Ecuador forward Cristian Noboa said. «But if he doesn't play there are others who are just about as good. Argentina has a tremendous team, a great team _ so many stars. (Maradona) can pick a team closing his eyes.
Ecuador will see four players return who were injured or suspended in Sunday's 2-1 victory at Peru: defenders Ivan Hurtado and Geovanni Espinosa, midfielder Luis Antonio Valencia and forward Felipe Caidedo.
Argentina will be without captain and midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is suspended. Christian Gimenez, who plays for Mexico's Pachuca and is accustomed to playing at altitude in Mexico, may see playing time.
«We're physically strong,» said Ecuador coach Sixto Vizuete, who argued that his team has the «psychological advantage because Argentina is thinking a lot about the altitude. We're disciplined and we're preparing to win.
