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'Aguero will be missing for six weeks' - Man City rocked by Argentina doctor's diagnosis
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines following his car crash, according to Argentina’s team doctor Donato Villani.The 29-year-old was involved in an accident when a taxi he was travelling in during a visit to a concert in Amsterdam slam into a post.
Aguero confirmed that he had suffered a broken rib in the incident, with it initially suggested that he could be out for anything from two to eight weeks.City’s medical team have since checked on their star frontman, with Pep Guardiola insisting that the South American does not owe him or his team an apology for being injured during a personal trip outside of England.
There was talk, after sitting out a 1-0 win over Chelsea, that Aguero could return immediately after the international break for a home date with Stoke. Dr Villani has, however, suggested that Guardiola will be without his leading goalscorer until mid-November.
He told TyC Sports: “Aguero is in a very bad mood because he was very eager to come and play [for Argentina in World Cup qualifiers] and this incident, which had nothing to do with him, leaves him out of the two games.“He will be off the pitch for six weeks. He can't move in his house, or get into or out of the car.”
Aguero told Radio Metro in the wake of his car accident: "The driver did not see the curve and skidded."When we were skidding we hit a post.
"I've broken a rib, now I'm resting. It hurts a lot but I'll soon be discharged."Aguero was released to return to England, but is clearly some way short of match fitness.His absence comes as a blow to both club and country.
Argentina are set to take in crucial qualification clashes with Peru and Ecuador as they sweat on their place at next summer’s showpiece in Russia.If he is to sit out six weeks, then he will also miss Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup games with City.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines following his car crash, according to Argentina’s team doctor Donato Villani.The 29-year-old was involved in an accident when a taxi he was travelling in during a visit to a concert in Amsterdam slam into a post.
Aguero confirmed that he had suffered a broken rib in the incident, with it initially suggested that he could be out for anything from two to eight weeks.City’s medical team have since checked on their star frontman, with Pep Guardiola insisting that the South American does not owe him or his team an apology for being injured during a personal trip outside of England.
There was talk, after sitting out a 1-0 win over Chelsea, that Aguero could return immediately after the international break for a home date with Stoke. Dr Villani has, however, suggested that Guardiola will be without his leading goalscorer until mid-November.
He told TyC Sports: “Aguero is in a very bad mood because he was very eager to come and play [for Argentina in World Cup qualifiers] and this incident, which had nothing to do with him, leaves him out of the two games.“He will be off the pitch for six weeks. He can't move in his house, or get into or out of the car.”
Aguero told Radio Metro in the wake of his car accident: "The driver did not see the curve and skidded."When we were skidding we hit a post.
"I've broken a rib, now I'm resting. It hurts a lot but I'll soon be discharged."Aguero was released to return to England, but is clearly some way short of match fitness.His absence comes as a blow to both club and country.
Argentina are set to take in crucial qualification clashes with Peru and Ecuador as they sweat on their place at next summer’s showpiece in Russia.If he is to sit out six weeks, then he will also miss Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup games with City.
Giggs: Great to watch Rashford battle MartialManchester United icon Ryan Giggs is loving the battle between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial for a place in Jose Mourinho's starting XI.
Rashford has started six of United's seven Premier League games so far this season, but the France forward is fighting hard having netted five times across all competitions, earning him selection in both of the Red Devils' Champions League games.
The England international has said the rivalry with Martial for a spot on the left wing has helped him to improve his game as well as proving beneficial to the team.
Giggs feels the two forwards could end up playing in the same team in future years, with Rashford playing more centrally, but wants both of them to become more prolific if they are to reach the top bracket of world stars."The battle between Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial has been great to follow," Giggs said to Sky Sports.
"I could definitely see them in the same team, with Marcus being more of a natural centre-forward whereas Martial is more of a left-sided forward but can also play centrally."They have got incredible pace so they are extremely dangerous, although to be considered top players they need to be scoring 20 goals a season."
Giggs has been impressed by both United and rivals Manchester City early in the title race, but is not ready to rule out champions Chelsea just yet. "I think it is too early to say it's a two-horse race in the Premier League," said the former United player and assistant manager.
"Manchester City's win at Stamford Bridge… you've got to take into account Chelsea's week, going to Stoke then getting a hard-fought win at Atletico Madrid [before the City game]."I think Chelsea will still be in the mix but City and Manchester United have been impressive and are the teams to beat.
"We are seeing the managers, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, imprinting their own visions on their teams. In Pep's case, with the goals they score and the chances they are creating, it's exciting for City fans right now.
"You see a bit of both at United, with a really strong defence but then scoring plenty of goals as well. The Southampton game was a good example, playing really well in the first half but then shutting up shop in the second."We're still waiting to see if City can win games when they don't play as well, so the real tests await for both sides."
Ronaldo: I'll never forget Manchester UnitedCristiano Ronaldo has insisted he will never forget his time at Manchester United but gave no indication that he is considering a future return to Old Trafford.The 32-year-old spent six successful years under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League, as well as his first Ballon d'Or in 2008.
He eventually made the move to Real Madrid in 2009, however, and has gone on to collect three more Ballon d'Ors, as well as claiming numerous trophies with the Spanish club.
And, in a Nike Football interview with former team-mate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo insists he has fond memories of his time at United but says that he always planned to head to Spain to prove his world-class ability.
He said: "I will never forget the Red Devils. I learnt to be better and better, being around the best players in the world. If you make the two things [go together], talent and work hard, you can be a huge player. And I think I'm in that role.
"When I landed here in Madrid I started to feel the atmosphere, I thought it was a game that day because all these people came just to see me. It was a great surprise. It was an unbelievable day, I was so proud.
"I feel inside what the people live for in the football here in Spain, they love it. It was a great day. I just thought in my mind 'I want to go there, to show my level, to show that I'm a different player' and this is what I did.
"I had a fantastic first season, second season and I improved every season. It was a great experience."Ronaldo was also asked where he sees himself in 10 years' time, and joked that he may follow Ferdinand's route into boxing.
He added: "Ten years? No, in 10 years it will be tough [to win more Ballon d'Ors].Maybe I will be a boxer like you! The most important thing is to win trophies."We work 10, 11 months and if you win nothing you feel empty and I like to win trophies - as a collective and as an individual, because I work hard for that."Outside the pitch, it's to have my family and my friends and to try be the most happy person in the world."
Ronaldo has endured a frustrating start to the 2017-18 campaign and has failed to score in La Liga up to now, with the Portuguese having been suspended for his side's first four league games of the season.
Ramos relationship is phenomenal, insists Pique
Gerard Pique insists he has a "phenomenal" relationship with Sergio Ramos despite reports of a rift between the pair.The Barcelona centre-back has been the subject of jeers from Spain fans during national team training sessions in recent days in the wake of his support for the Catalan independence referendum last Sunday.
There has also been speculation of a falling-out with Real Madrid captain Ramos after a tweet from Pique in support of the controversial vote provoked further anger among some supporters.Pique held a news conference on Wednesday where he insisted he is fully committed to the national team's cause and would not be forced into retirement by his critics.
The 30-year-old stressed he has an excellent relationship with Ramos and is even planning on a future business venture with the former Sevilla man.
It's a lie that I get on badly with him," he said. "We will be partners in a business I proposed."My relationship with him is phenomenal. I'd like you to see that."Pique has won 91 caps for Spain, while Ramos has 153 international appearances to his name.
Gerard Pique insists he has a "phenomenal" relationship with Sergio Ramos despite reports of a rift between the pair.The Barcelona centre-back has been the subject of jeers from Spain fans during national team training sessions in recent days in the wake of his support for the Catalan independence referendum last Sunday.
There has also been speculation of a falling-out with Real Madrid captain Ramos after a tweet from Pique in support of the controversial vote provoked further anger among some supporters.Pique held a news conference on Wednesday where he insisted he is fully committed to the national team's cause and would not be forced into retirement by his critics.
The 30-year-old stressed he has an excellent relationship with Ramos and is even planning on a future business venture with the former Sevilla man.
It's a lie that I get on badly with him," he said. "We will be partners in a business I proposed."My relationship with him is phenomenal. I'd like you to see that."Pique has won 91 caps for Spain, while Ramos has 153 international appearances to his name.
Man Utd striker Romelu Lukaku likely to miss Bosnia-Herzegovina v Belgium
Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to be fit for Belgium's away World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Roberto Martinez hopes he will return to play Cyprus next week.The Manchester United striker had positive results from tests on his ankle injury this week, but is yet to re-join full training with the squad.
Belgium are already assured of winning Group H, meaning there is little to gain in risking Lukaku, with Martinez leaning in the direction of leaving him out ahead of Saturday's game away to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
However, Lukaku — who already has 11 goals to his name at club level this season — is a likely participant in the home match against Cyprus on October 10.
"At the moment, Romelu is working separately," Martinez told reporters."He has not joined the group yet since he arrived. We need to be a little bit patient.
"I would say he is very uncertain for Saturday. We will make a decision probably on Friday, but I would say that it is a little bit difficult for him to be involved on Saturday."But we are still hopeful he will be involved on Tuesday [against Cyprus]."
Lukaku, though, is not giving up in the battle to be fit for the match in Sarajevo.Martinez continued: "He wants to play. He came with a little bit of a sore ankle. It is important that he gets that fully recovered. It is a period of the season that is really busy.
"We will give it as long as we can to make the final call but he is very uncertain for Saturday."Lukaku has been key to Belgium's qualification for next year's tournament Russia, scoring 10 goals in seven appearances.Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (14) and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski (12) have more in the UEFA qualification campaign.
Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to be fit for Belgium's away World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Roberto Martinez hopes he will return to play Cyprus next week.The Manchester United striker had positive results from tests on his ankle injury this week, but is yet to re-join full training with the squad.
Belgium are already assured of winning Group H, meaning there is little to gain in risking Lukaku, with Martinez leaning in the direction of leaving him out ahead of Saturday's game away to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
However, Lukaku — who already has 11 goals to his name at club level this season — is a likely participant in the home match against Cyprus on October 10.
"At the moment, Romelu is working separately," Martinez told reporters."He has not joined the group yet since he arrived. We need to be a little bit patient.
"I would say he is very uncertain for Saturday. We will make a decision probably on Friday, but I would say that it is a little bit difficult for him to be involved on Saturday."But we are still hopeful he will be involved on Tuesday [against Cyprus]."
Lukaku, though, is not giving up in the battle to be fit for the match in Sarajevo.Martinez continued: "He wants to play. He came with a little bit of a sore ankle. It is important that he gets that fully recovered. It is a period of the season that is really busy.
"We will give it as long as we can to make the final call but he is very uncertain for Saturday."Lukaku has been key to Belgium's qualification for next year's tournament Russia, scoring 10 goals in seven appearances.Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (14) and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski (12) have more in the UEFA qualification campaign.
Bale has to make changes – Giggs concerned by Real Madrid star's injuries
Ryan Giggs has advised compatriot Gareth Bale that he must start making changes after continuously struggling with injuries.Real Madrid star Bale was restricted to 19 La Liga appearances in an injury interrupted 2016-17 campaign, having only played 23 in the previous season.
Now, a calf problem suffered in an impressive performance against Borussia Dortmund last week has ruled him out of Wales' crucial World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.
Former Wales international Giggs had to make major changes to ensure his Manchester United career lasted until beyond his 40th birthday and he believes Bale should do the same to stop injuries from defining him.
Giggs told Sky Sports: "When you look at Bale and the physical specimen he is, he is always going to be putting his body under pressure, especially with the sort of challenges he comes up against from other players."With the injuries he has had and at the stage of his career, this is when you need to start addressing it.
"When you get to your late 20s it hits home that you need to start making changes."Everyone is different and I tried to cover every base with yoga, acupuncture, ice baths, but what might work for some players might not for others.
"You also have to adapt your game. You can't play in your late 20s like you did when you were 19, but that experience means your brain is quicker and you can be more economical yet more effective. I was definitely more effective in games in my late 20s even if I wasn't as quick."Wales are four points behind leaders Serbia and one clear of third-placed Ireland ahead of their crunch double-header, which they will face without Bale.
Giggs said: "Bale being ruled out of the World Cup Qualifiers is obviously a big blow because if you're preparing to play against Wales, the first thing you think about is how to stop Bale.
"They can still get the results to qualify for the World Cup though, but they will have to play a slightly different way as there is nobody else who can get you back to front like Bale does."Sam Vokes can be used as a target man and there's still a lot of quality, as Joe Allen, Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey have shown, and they'll be even more important to the team.
"Obviously, you're missing a world-class player and the team's talisman, but sometimes that can bring the lads together and it won't be the first time they've coped without him."
Ryan Giggs has advised compatriot Gareth Bale that he must start making changes after continuously struggling with injuries.Real Madrid star Bale was restricted to 19 La Liga appearances in an injury interrupted 2016-17 campaign, having only played 23 in the previous season.
Now, a calf problem suffered in an impressive performance against Borussia Dortmund last week has ruled him out of Wales' crucial World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.
Former Wales international Giggs had to make major changes to ensure his Manchester United career lasted until beyond his 40th birthday and he believes Bale should do the same to stop injuries from defining him.
Giggs told Sky Sports: "When you look at Bale and the physical specimen he is, he is always going to be putting his body under pressure, especially with the sort of challenges he comes up against from other players."With the injuries he has had and at the stage of his career, this is when you need to start addressing it.
"When you get to your late 20s it hits home that you need to start making changes."Everyone is different and I tried to cover every base with yoga, acupuncture, ice baths, but what might work for some players might not for others.
"You also have to adapt your game. You can't play in your late 20s like you did when you were 19, but that experience means your brain is quicker and you can be more economical yet more effective. I was definitely more effective in games in my late 20s even if I wasn't as quick."Wales are four points behind leaders Serbia and one clear of third-placed Ireland ahead of their crunch double-header, which they will face without Bale.
Giggs said: "Bale being ruled out of the World Cup Qualifiers is obviously a big blow because if you're preparing to play against Wales, the first thing you think about is how to stop Bale.
"They can still get the results to qualify for the World Cup though, but they will have to play a slightly different way as there is nobody else who can get you back to front like Bale does."Sam Vokes can be used as a target man and there's still a lot of quality, as Joe Allen, Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey have shown, and they'll be even more important to the team.
"Obviously, you're missing a world-class player and the team's talisman, but sometimes that can bring the lads together and it won't be the first time they've coped without him."
Kane to captain England for crunch World Cup qualifier
Harry Kane has been named England captain for the crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Slovenia on Thursday.England can secure their place in next year's tournament in Russia with a win and will be skippered by the in-form Tottenham star for the game, although manager Gareth Southgate is yet to decide on a permanent captain.
Kane was skipper for England's double-header against Scotland and France in June, before handing over the armband to Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson for last month's games with Malta and Slovakia.
Gary Cahill is also thought to be a candidate for the role vacated by the retired Wayne Rooney, but Kane appears to be at the front of the queue."His leadership qualities are invaluable to us as a team and he is in a good moment with his form," Southgate said at his pre-match media conference.
"I have known him for a long time. He has matured and is improving all the time."Asked about a permanent captain, Southgate said: "I haven't decided yet. We saw potential leaders in the group at the start.
"But [they were] lads who hadn't had experience of leading and how do we allow for that to happen, and how do we give them a feel of it, and I think that's worked well over the last few months.
"All of those experiences will stand them in good stead. Different situations, different opportunities to be in front of people, sharing a responsibility of team. I think that's key.
"What's important is that the lads who have led the team think about integrating the squad, the moments to step forward, the moments to have a quiet word with people."You are talking about leadership experience that comes over time."
Kane himself also spoke at the media conference, adding: "It makes me very proud, growing up as a kid you dream of playing for your country and being captain as well. "There are plenty of leaders in this team and other guys are going to have a go to see how it feels."I don't think having an armband on your arm makes a difference to how you play. I will go out there to try and win and score goals.
"There are plenty of players on the pitch who will help each other out when the going gets tough as well."Spurs star Kane scored 13 goals for club and country in September, a return that matched the most prolific calendar months enjoyed by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in their illustrious careers.
Other than Kane's suspended Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli, all members of Southgate's squad are available to face Slovenia.
Harry Kane has been named England captain for the crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Slovenia on Thursday.England can secure their place in next year's tournament in Russia with a win and will be skippered by the in-form Tottenham star for the game, although manager Gareth Southgate is yet to decide on a permanent captain.
Kane was skipper for England's double-header against Scotland and France in June, before handing over the armband to Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson for last month's games with Malta and Slovakia.
Gary Cahill is also thought to be a candidate for the role vacated by the retired Wayne Rooney, but Kane appears to be at the front of the queue."His leadership qualities are invaluable to us as a team and he is in a good moment with his form," Southgate said at his pre-match media conference.
"I have known him for a long time. He has matured and is improving all the time."Asked about a permanent captain, Southgate said: "I haven't decided yet. We saw potential leaders in the group at the start.
"But [they were] lads who hadn't had experience of leading and how do we allow for that to happen, and how do we give them a feel of it, and I think that's worked well over the last few months.
"All of those experiences will stand them in good stead. Different situations, different opportunities to be in front of people, sharing a responsibility of team. I think that's key.
"What's important is that the lads who have led the team think about integrating the squad, the moments to step forward, the moments to have a quiet word with people."You are talking about leadership experience that comes over time."
Kane himself also spoke at the media conference, adding: "It makes me very proud, growing up as a kid you dream of playing for your country and being captain as well. "There are plenty of leaders in this team and other guys are going to have a go to see how it feels."I don't think having an armband on your arm makes a difference to how you play. I will go out there to try and win and score goals.
"There are plenty of players on the pitch who will help each other out when the going gets tough as well."Spurs star Kane scored 13 goals for club and country in September, a return that matched the most prolific calendar months enjoyed by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in their illustrious careers.
Other than Kane's suspended Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli, all members of Southgate's squad are available to face Slovenia.
Chile 2 Ecuador 1: Sanchez boosts qualification chances
Alexis Sanchez helped Chile boost their chances of World Cup qualification with a dramatic 2-1 win over Ecuador in Santiago on Thursday.
Sanchez tapped in an 85th-minute winner to lift Juan Antonio Pizzi's men to a much-needed victory at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.
Eduardo Vargas' opener appeared to be sending the hosts to a win before debutant Romario Ibarra's equaliser silenced the home crowd with six minutes remaining.
However, Chile responded immediately as Sanchez struck to give his side a deserved win.
Chile's win, combined with other results on matchday 17, saw Pizzi's side move into third in the standings with one game remaining.
However, Chile's final outing is a trip to CONMEBOL winners Brazil on Tuesday and they will be without Arturo Vidal after the midfielder picked up a yellow card.
Sanchez, Vidal, Vargas and Gary Medel all started for Chile, who entered the clash on a three-match losing run.
In his first match in charge, Jorge Celico made huge changes at Ecuador, who sacked Gustavo Quinteros after back-to-back losses last month.
Celico made six changes to the starting XI that lost at home to Peru, with Dario Aimar, Michael Arroyo, Renato Ibarra, Ayrton Preciado, Jefferson Intriago and Roberto Ordonez starting in place of Gabriel Achilier, Pedro Velasco, Christian Noboa, Juan Cazares, Felipe Caicedo and Enner Valencia.
In front of an energetic home crowd, Chile made a good start, with Sanchez heavily involved in the opening stages.
But the hosts struggled to get in behind, although Vidal threatened as his strike from just inside the area was blocked in the 13th minute.
Just nine minutes later, Chile deservedly went ahead.
Sanchez won possession in attack and Valdivia capitalised, the attacker cutting back a pass to Vargas, who took a touch before firing into the roof of the net from near the penalty spot.
Chile continued to dominate proceedings and almost doubled their lead four minutes before half-time after a wonderful team move.
Sanchez was at the centre of it, the Arsenal star completing his run with a pass to Valdivia, who found Eugenio Mena – but he fired just wide from the left side of the area.
The hosts should have gone 2-0 up in the 49th minute, but Valdivia headed a pinpoint Vidal cross over the bar from six yards.
Vidal was booked just before the hour-mark in a blow to Chile, who conceded an equaliser in the 84th minute.
Ibarra timed his run into the area to perfection to side-foot in a stunning equaliser.
However, Chile quickly restored their lead with what proved to be the match-winner.
Vidal dispossessed an Ecuador defender and teed up substitute Felipe Gutierrez, whose shot was saved by Maximo Banguera and into the path of Sanchez to tap in.
Alexis Sanchez helped Chile boost their chances of World Cup qualification with a dramatic 2-1 win over Ecuador in Santiago on Thursday.
Sanchez tapped in an 85th-minute winner to lift Juan Antonio Pizzi's men to a much-needed victory at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.
Eduardo Vargas' opener appeared to be sending the hosts to a win before debutant Romario Ibarra's equaliser silenced the home crowd with six minutes remaining.
However, Chile responded immediately as Sanchez struck to give his side a deserved win.
Chile's win, combined with other results on matchday 17, saw Pizzi's side move into third in the standings with one game remaining.
However, Chile's final outing is a trip to CONMEBOL winners Brazil on Tuesday and they will be without Arturo Vidal after the midfielder picked up a yellow card.
Sanchez, Vidal, Vargas and Gary Medel all started for Chile, who entered the clash on a three-match losing run.
In his first match in charge, Jorge Celico made huge changes at Ecuador, who sacked Gustavo Quinteros after back-to-back losses last month.
Celico made six changes to the starting XI that lost at home to Peru, with Dario Aimar, Michael Arroyo, Renato Ibarra, Ayrton Preciado, Jefferson Intriago and Roberto Ordonez starting in place of Gabriel Achilier, Pedro Velasco, Christian Noboa, Juan Cazares, Felipe Caicedo and Enner Valencia.
In front of an energetic home crowd, Chile made a good start, with Sanchez heavily involved in the opening stages.
But the hosts struggled to get in behind, although Vidal threatened as his strike from just inside the area was blocked in the 13th minute.
Just nine minutes later, Chile deservedly went ahead.
Sanchez won possession in attack and Valdivia capitalised, the attacker cutting back a pass to Vargas, who took a touch before firing into the roof of the net from near the penalty spot.
Chile continued to dominate proceedings and almost doubled their lead four minutes before half-time after a wonderful team move.
Sanchez was at the centre of it, the Arsenal star completing his run with a pass to Valdivia, who found Eugenio Mena – but he fired just wide from the left side of the area.
The hosts should have gone 2-0 up in the 49th minute, but Valdivia headed a pinpoint Vidal cross over the bar from six yards.
Vidal was booked just before the hour-mark in a blow to Chile, who conceded an equaliser in the 84th minute.
Ibarra timed his run into the area to perfection to side-foot in a stunning equaliser.
However, Chile quickly restored their lead with what proved to be the match-winner.
Vidal dispossessed an Ecuador defender and teed up substitute Felipe Gutierrez, whose shot was saved by Maximo Banguera and into the path of Sanchez to tap in.
Argentina 0 Peru 0: Messi unable to lift hosts as World Cup hopes fade
Argentina's World Cup qualification hopes were dealt another blow after they were held to a goalless draw by Peru in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi weaved his magic and hit the post but he was unable to lift Argentina to victory as Jorge Sampaoli's slumping side dropped out of the qualification spots for next year's showpiece tournament on Thursday.
The blockbuster fixture against fourth-placed Peru at the iconic La Bombonera – home of Boca Juniors – could not inspire Argentina, who controlled proceedings but were unable to find a way past Pedro Gallese in the Argentine capital.
Messi – playing ahead of Paulo Dybala who was an unused substitute along with Mauro Icardi – huffed and puffed, teeing up surprise inclusion Dario Benedetto, debutant Emiliano Rigoni and Marcos Acuna, though his team-mates failed to capitalise.
A fourth qualifier without victory coupled with Chile's win over Ecuador saw Argentina drop to sixth in the CONMEBOL standings, outside the play-off position heading into next week's final matchday.
Sampaoli made five changes to the team who were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela last month. Dybala was the most notable casualty, despite his stunning form for Italian champions Juventus, as the Argentina boss revealed it was too risky to pair he and Messi given their similarities and lack of time together.
Inter captain Icardi also made way, along with Guido Pizarro, Lautaro Acosta and Federico Fazio as Boca Juniors forward Benedetto surprisingly came into the XI at his home ground, having scored five goals in five league matches, and he was joined by Acuna, Lucas Biglia, Alejandro Gomez and Gabriel Mercado.
There was a recall for veteran Jefferson Farfan, who failed to make it off the bench in Peru's 2-1 win in Ecuador in September. Gallese reclaimed his place in goal after recovering from injury as Carlos Caceda dropped to the bench. Ricardo Gareca also included Sergio Pena and Miguel Araujo at the expense of suspended duo Andre Carrillo and Christian Ramos, and Christian Cueva.Argentina kicked off with intent and purpose, pressing Peru deep into their own defensive half as the visitors struggled to touch the ball.
Peru breathed a sigh of relief in the 14th minute when Messi's goal-bound strike deflected wide for a corner. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner – playing at La Bombonera for the first time – found himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area after the Peruvians were caught napping.
The visitors managed to stem the tide, working their way back into contest to enjoy more time on the ball. Argentina, albeit missing the end product, continued to be a threat in attack though as Gomez's powerful strike forced Gallese into a fingertip save from an acute angle, before Farfan almost broke the deadlock at the other end.
Messi was at the centre of another Argentina chance seven minutes prior to half-time, the Barcelona star's long-range curling effort going agonisingly wide of the post. And he was at it again on the stroke of the break after picking out Benedetto with an inch-perfect cross but his team-mate headed over the crossbar when he should have scored.
The post thwarted Messi less than a minute into the second half after following up Benedetto's effort, which was initially saved by Gallese, who then produced a fine stop to deny Biglia in a hectic start following the break.
Gallese made a huge save to stop Acuna from close range after the Sporting CP man was played through on goal by Messi approaching the hour-mark as another opportunity went begging.
Messi weaved his magic again, cutting the ball back for debutant Rigoni in the six-yard box but the 24-year-old failed to hit the target from point-blank range, while he teed up Benedetto only for Gallese to stand firm after Argentina's woes were compounded by an injury to substitute Fernando Gago within minutes of his introduction.
Paolo Guerrero almost snatched victory at the death, his stoppage-time free-kick leaving Sergio Romero scrambling.
Argentina's World Cup qualification hopes were dealt another blow after they were held to a goalless draw by Peru in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi weaved his magic and hit the post but he was unable to lift Argentina to victory as Jorge Sampaoli's slumping side dropped out of the qualification spots for next year's showpiece tournament on Thursday.
The blockbuster fixture against fourth-placed Peru at the iconic La Bombonera – home of Boca Juniors – could not inspire Argentina, who controlled proceedings but were unable to find a way past Pedro Gallese in the Argentine capital.
Messi – playing ahead of Paulo Dybala who was an unused substitute along with Mauro Icardi – huffed and puffed, teeing up surprise inclusion Dario Benedetto, debutant Emiliano Rigoni and Marcos Acuna, though his team-mates failed to capitalise.
A fourth qualifier without victory coupled with Chile's win over Ecuador saw Argentina drop to sixth in the CONMEBOL standings, outside the play-off position heading into next week's final matchday.
Sampaoli made five changes to the team who were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela last month. Dybala was the most notable casualty, despite his stunning form for Italian champions Juventus, as the Argentina boss revealed it was too risky to pair he and Messi given their similarities and lack of time together.
Inter captain Icardi also made way, along with Guido Pizarro, Lautaro Acosta and Federico Fazio as Boca Juniors forward Benedetto surprisingly came into the XI at his home ground, having scored five goals in five league matches, and he was joined by Acuna, Lucas Biglia, Alejandro Gomez and Gabriel Mercado.
There was a recall for veteran Jefferson Farfan, who failed to make it off the bench in Peru's 2-1 win in Ecuador in September. Gallese reclaimed his place in goal after recovering from injury as Carlos Caceda dropped to the bench. Ricardo Gareca also included Sergio Pena and Miguel Araujo at the expense of suspended duo Andre Carrillo and Christian Ramos, and Christian Cueva.Argentina kicked off with intent and purpose, pressing Peru deep into their own defensive half as the visitors struggled to touch the ball.
Peru breathed a sigh of relief in the 14th minute when Messi's goal-bound strike deflected wide for a corner. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner – playing at La Bombonera for the first time – found himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area after the Peruvians were caught napping.
The visitors managed to stem the tide, working their way back into contest to enjoy more time on the ball. Argentina, albeit missing the end product, continued to be a threat in attack though as Gomez's powerful strike forced Gallese into a fingertip save from an acute angle, before Farfan almost broke the deadlock at the other end.
Messi was at the centre of another Argentina chance seven minutes prior to half-time, the Barcelona star's long-range curling effort going agonisingly wide of the post. And he was at it again on the stroke of the break after picking out Benedetto with an inch-perfect cross but his team-mate headed over the crossbar when he should have scored.
The post thwarted Messi less than a minute into the second half after following up Benedetto's effort, which was initially saved by Gallese, who then produced a fine stop to deny Biglia in a hectic start following the break.
Gallese made a huge save to stop Acuna from close range after the Sporting CP man was played through on goal by Messi approaching the hour-mark as another opportunity went begging.
Messi weaved his magic again, cutting the ball back for debutant Rigoni in the six-yard box but the 24-year-old failed to hit the target from point-blank range, while he teed up Benedetto only for Gallese to stand firm after Argentina's woes were compounded by an injury to substitute Fernando Gago within minutes of his introduction.
Paolo Guerrero almost snatched victory at the death, his stoppage-time free-kick leaving Sergio Romero scrambling.
Kochchara hoda playersla hitiyath Argentina fail ne
Ekko lost nathnam draw
mehema giyoth nam World Cup Qualified wenna bari wei.
Ekko lost nathnam drawmehema giyoth nam World Cup Qualified wenna bari wei.
Venezuela 0 Uruguay 0: Tabarez's men held to dour draw
Uruguay edged a step closer to World Cup qualification despite playing out a dull 0-0 draw against Venezuela on Thursday.
Oscar Tabarez's Uruguay extended their unbeaten run to three matches, but rarely looked like finding a winner at the Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo.Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in San Cristobal, the visitors unable to penetrate even with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up front.
The result edged Uruguay closer to Russia 2018, moving them four points clear of fifth-placed Argentina and five ahead of Chile – but the latter two have later kick-offs on matchday 17.
A Jose Gimenez header and deflected Cavani strike were as close as Uruguay went to finding a winner against a Venezuela side who are bottom in CONMEBOL qualifying.If it is not already, Uruguay can secure their place in Russia when they host Bolivia on Tuesday.
Hit by suspensions and with their World Cup dreams over, Venezuela started a youthful line-up, including impressive goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, 19, and Sergio Cordova, 20.
For Uruguay, Tabarez named the same starting XI that helped his team past Paraguay 2-1 last month.It meant a second start for Federico Valverde, who opened the scoring in that win, and a 100th cap for Cristian Rodriguez.
Uruguay looked most dangerous from set-pieces and Farinez made a diving save to keep out a Gimenez header in the third minute. The visitors struggled to create much of note in the opening 25 minutes, while Venezuela made a decent start.Suarez and Cavani looked threatening, but the final pass repeatedly let Tabarez's men down in the first half.
The start to the second half was far more lively than the first.Fernando Muslera was needed to keep Uruguay level, making a save to deny Tomas Rincon from range in the 49th minute.
Cavani then threatened immediately at the other end, but a slight deflection took the Paris Saint-Germain forward's effort wide.Suarez had a penalty shout waved away in the 70th minute and Cavani fired wide in the closing stages as Uruguay were held.
Uruguay edged a step closer to World Cup qualification despite playing out a dull 0-0 draw against Venezuela on Thursday.
Oscar Tabarez's Uruguay extended their unbeaten run to three matches, but rarely looked like finding a winner at the Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo.Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in San Cristobal, the visitors unable to penetrate even with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up front.
The result edged Uruguay closer to Russia 2018, moving them four points clear of fifth-placed Argentina and five ahead of Chile – but the latter two have later kick-offs on matchday 17.
A Jose Gimenez header and deflected Cavani strike were as close as Uruguay went to finding a winner against a Venezuela side who are bottom in CONMEBOL qualifying.If it is not already, Uruguay can secure their place in Russia when they host Bolivia on Tuesday.
Hit by suspensions and with their World Cup dreams over, Venezuela started a youthful line-up, including impressive goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, 19, and Sergio Cordova, 20.
For Uruguay, Tabarez named the same starting XI that helped his team past Paraguay 2-1 last month.It meant a second start for Federico Valverde, who opened the scoring in that win, and a 100th cap for Cristian Rodriguez.
Uruguay looked most dangerous from set-pieces and Farinez made a diving save to keep out a Gimenez header in the third minute. The visitors struggled to create much of note in the opening 25 minutes, while Venezuela made a decent start.Suarez and Cavani looked threatening, but the final pass repeatedly let Tabarez's men down in the first half.
The start to the second half was far more lively than the first.Fernando Muslera was needed to keep Uruguay level, making a save to deny Tomas Rincon from range in the 49th minute.
Cavani then threatened immediately at the other end, but a slight deflection took the Paris Saint-Germain forward's effort wide.Suarez had a penalty shout waved away in the 70th minute and Cavani fired wide in the closing stages as Uruguay were held.
Bolivia 0 Brazil 0: Lampe heroics halt Selecao superstars
A stunning display by Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe denied Brazil all three points in an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz.
The result has little impact on the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying section with Brazil’s position as group winners already secure and Bolivia unable to improve on their spot in ninth.
Neymar, in particular, will be left cursing the performance of Lampe as the Huachipato goalkeeper prevented him from adding to his international tally of 52 goals with a series of impressive stops.
Gabriel Jesus, Willian and Dani Alves were also denied as the hosts held firm.
Bolivia offered little attacking threat but came close to scoring on the stroke of half-time when Diego Bejarano thumped a long-range drive against the crossbar.
Brazil, captained by Real Madrid’s Casemiro for the first time, appeared to struggle with the altitude in La Paz in the early stages and almost fell behind after 15 minutes.
Juan Carlos Arce’s corner was pulled back to Cristhian Machado on the edge of the penalty area and his well-struck shot arrowed narrowly past Alisson’s right-hand post.
The visitors had to wait until midway through the opening period for their first sight of goal and, unsurprisingly, it fell to the world’s most expensive player.Neymar’s whipped effort from 25 yards looked destined for the bottom corner, but Lampe got down well to push it out for a corner.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was in the thick of the action again soon after, as he took advantage of confusion in the home defence to bear down on Lampe but his shot was too close to the Bolivia goalkeeper.
The overworked Lampe was called into action again to keep out Jesus’ close-range effort after a clever flick from Paulinho. Neymar was then somehow denied an opener in a thrilling passage of play just before the break.
After stumbling past the onrushing Lampe, the 25-year-old regained his footing to steer a powerful shot towards goal that was cleared by the head of Gabriel Valverde on the line. The ball fell back to Neymar and his second effort was once again cleared by Valverde, denying what would have been a certain goal.Dani Alves then saw an audacious effort from 35 yards tipped over by Lampe, before Bejarano crashed a stunning effort from 30 yards against Alisson’s crossbar in what was a breathless end to the half.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Lampe producing a breathtaking save just minutes after the restart to deny Paulinho, tipping the Barcelona midfielder’s acrobatic volley onto the post from Neymar’s deep cross.
Lampe continued to get the better of Neymar in their fascinating duel, first comfortably gathering his attempted lob and then superbly blocking his fierce close-range volley.
Fittingly, Lampe denied substitute Willian and Jesus in the closing stages to ensure the headlines would be his on a memorable day for the 30-year-old.
A stunning display by Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe denied Brazil all three points in an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz.
The result has little impact on the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying section with Brazil’s position as group winners already secure and Bolivia unable to improve on their spot in ninth.
Neymar, in particular, will be left cursing the performance of Lampe as the Huachipato goalkeeper prevented him from adding to his international tally of 52 goals with a series of impressive stops.
Gabriel Jesus, Willian and Dani Alves were also denied as the hosts held firm.
Bolivia offered little attacking threat but came close to scoring on the stroke of half-time when Diego Bejarano thumped a long-range drive against the crossbar.
Brazil, captained by Real Madrid’s Casemiro for the first time, appeared to struggle with the altitude in La Paz in the early stages and almost fell behind after 15 minutes.
Juan Carlos Arce’s corner was pulled back to Cristhian Machado on the edge of the penalty area and his well-struck shot arrowed narrowly past Alisson’s right-hand post.
The visitors had to wait until midway through the opening period for their first sight of goal and, unsurprisingly, it fell to the world’s most expensive player.Neymar’s whipped effort from 25 yards looked destined for the bottom corner, but Lampe got down well to push it out for a corner.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was in the thick of the action again soon after, as he took advantage of confusion in the home defence to bear down on Lampe but his shot was too close to the Bolivia goalkeeper.
The overworked Lampe was called into action again to keep out Jesus’ close-range effort after a clever flick from Paulinho. Neymar was then somehow denied an opener in a thrilling passage of play just before the break.
After stumbling past the onrushing Lampe, the 25-year-old regained his footing to steer a powerful shot towards goal that was cleared by the head of Gabriel Valverde on the line. The ball fell back to Neymar and his second effort was once again cleared by Valverde, denying what would have been a certain goal.Dani Alves then saw an audacious effort from 35 yards tipped over by Lampe, before Bejarano crashed a stunning effort from 30 yards against Alisson’s crossbar in what was a breathless end to the half.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Lampe producing a breathtaking save just minutes after the restart to deny Paulinho, tipping the Barcelona midfielder’s acrobatic volley onto the post from Neymar’s deep cross.
Lampe continued to get the better of Neymar in their fascinating duel, first comfortably gathering his attempted lob and then superbly blocking his fierce close-range volley.
Fittingly, Lampe denied substitute Willian and Jesus in the closing stages to ensure the headlines would be his on a memorable day for the 30-year-old.
England 1 Slovenia 0: Late Kane goal sends Three Lions to World Cup
Harry Kane's injury-time goal guaranteed England's place at the 2018 World Cup, the Tottenham striker earning a 1-0 home win against Slovenia on Thursday.
Gareth Southgate's side were already virtually assured of their place in Russia due to a five-point cushion and made certain of their progress thanks to Kane's late impact.
The in-form striker had been quiet throughout a listless Three Lions performance but nudged home Kyle Walker's low cross to break the deadlock in the third minute of added time.
In a largely turgid affair, England missed the suspended Dele Alli and the injured Jamie Vardy's ability to move defenders around, with Slovenia happy to sit deep and soak up pressure.
Slovenia held England to a 0-0 draw at home earlier in the group and they appeared set to do so again with few problems, Jan Oblak making relatively straightforward saves from Kane, Jordan Henderson and the lively Marcus Rashford.
But there was nothing Oblak could do about Kane's late winner, the cross from former Spurs team-mate Walker perfect for him to tap in his 14th goal of the season for club and country.
Although England started reasonably well, they were perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty after nine minutes when goalkeeper Joe Hart appeared to catch Josip Ilicic near the byline.
Kane scored 13 goals for club and country in September and had been given the captain's armband by Southgate, but his first effort was easily dealt with by Oblak, before Andraz Sporar fired at Hart at the other end.
Oblak was stretched for the first time after 25 minutes, the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper tipping Henderson's low curler around his left-hand post after England cleverly worked a short free-kick.
England had the ball in the net shortly before half-time thanks to Kane's header, but Raheem Sterling was penalised for a foul and the goal was disallowed by referee Felix Zwayer.The ponderous play from the hosts did not improve after the interval, with sloppy passes regularly giving away possession, although Slovenia offered nothing on the ball themselves.
When England did break threateningly after 61 minutes, Rashford's decision to cutely chip Oblak was the wrong choice and Rajko Rotman had time to get back and clear, Bostjan Cesar then making a fine block to deny Sterling.
Southgate's men had scored late goals throughout the campaign and although there appeared little sign of one coming, they struck in stoppage-time.Oblak threw the ball to Walker in his haste to launch a counter-attack and the Manchester City full-back broke at speed, putting a fine centre on a plate for Kane to tuck in from close range.
England will wrap up their campaign in Vilnius against Lithuania on Sunday, while Slovenia host a resurgent Scotland in the battle for second place.
Harry Kane's injury-time goal guaranteed England's place at the 2018 World Cup, the Tottenham striker earning a 1-0 home win against Slovenia on Thursday.
Gareth Southgate's side were already virtually assured of their place in Russia due to a five-point cushion and made certain of their progress thanks to Kane's late impact.
The in-form striker had been quiet throughout a listless Three Lions performance but nudged home Kyle Walker's low cross to break the deadlock in the third minute of added time.
In a largely turgid affair, England missed the suspended Dele Alli and the injured Jamie Vardy's ability to move defenders around, with Slovenia happy to sit deep and soak up pressure.
Slovenia held England to a 0-0 draw at home earlier in the group and they appeared set to do so again with few problems, Jan Oblak making relatively straightforward saves from Kane, Jordan Henderson and the lively Marcus Rashford.
But there was nothing Oblak could do about Kane's late winner, the cross from former Spurs team-mate Walker perfect for him to tap in his 14th goal of the season for club and country.
Although England started reasonably well, they were perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty after nine minutes when goalkeeper Joe Hart appeared to catch Josip Ilicic near the byline.
Kane scored 13 goals for club and country in September and had been given the captain's armband by Southgate, but his first effort was easily dealt with by Oblak, before Andraz Sporar fired at Hart at the other end.
Oblak was stretched for the first time after 25 minutes, the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper tipping Henderson's low curler around his left-hand post after England cleverly worked a short free-kick.
England had the ball in the net shortly before half-time thanks to Kane's header, but Raheem Sterling was penalised for a foul and the goal was disallowed by referee Felix Zwayer.The ponderous play from the hosts did not improve after the interval, with sloppy passes regularly giving away possession, although Slovenia offered nothing on the ball themselves.
When England did break threateningly after 61 minutes, Rashford's decision to cutely chip Oblak was the wrong choice and Rajko Rotman had time to get back and clear, Bostjan Cesar then making a fine block to deny Sterling.
Southgate's men had scored late goals throughout the campaign and although there appeared little sign of one coming, they struck in stoppage-time.Oblak threw the ball to Walker in his haste to launch a counter-attack and the Manchester City full-back broke at speed, putting a fine centre on a plate for Kane to tuck in from close range.
England will wrap up their campaign in Vilnius against Lithuania on Sunday, while Slovenia host a resurgent Scotland in the battle for second place.
Northern Ireland 1 Germany 3: World Cup holders secure spot at Russia 2018
Reigning champions Germany booked their place at next year's World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Needing just a point in Belfast to top Group C, Joachim Low's side overcame a number of key absences, as well as a spirited home side, to make it nine wins from nine in qualifying.Despite being without World Cup winners Mario Gotze, Sami Khedira, Manuel Nuer and Mesut Ozil - as well as Timo Werner - Germany demonstrated their strength in depth as two first-half goals saw off their nearest rivals on the road.
Sebastian Rudy let fly with a right-footed rocket inside two minutes to score his maiden international goal, his wonder strike briefly silencing a boisterous crowd inside Windsor Park.
Any hopes of the hosts marking Michael O'Neill's 50th match in charge with an upset disappeared when Sandro Wagner - starting up top in place of the absent Werner - spun away from his marker to curl in a second in the 21st minute.
Joshua Kimmich added a third for Germany, volleying in from a tight angle in the closing minutes, before Josh Magennis nodded in a late consolation for Northern Ireland with the last kick of the game.
Northern Ireland had not conceded in qualifying since a 2-0 defeat against the same opponents in Hannover last October, winning five on the trot to make sure of a top-two finish. However, their slim hopes of catching the group leaders suffered a blow inside two minutes with Rudy's long-range stunner.
The Bayern Munich midfielder spectacularly broke his duck for Germany by thrashing a first-time shot beyond Michael McGovern, the ball curling away from the goalkeeper to find the net via a deflection off the upright.
Germany's second was almost as impressive, Wagner cleverly turning the defender tight to his back to create the chance to curl home a left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The goal was a reward for Wagner's persistence, the Hoffenheim forward having twice gone close previously with headers, the first saved at close range by McGovern before the woodwork kept out a calculated flick from Kimmich's teasing cross.
Despite barely getting a kick for long periods in the first half, Northern Ireland went close to halving the deficit when Corry Evans' goal-bound poke was blocked by the advancing Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Yet the close shave failed to be a catalyst for a second-half fightback as Germany resumed their dominance immediately after the break.McGovern produced a finger-tip save on the stretch to turn a Thomas Muller header wide, while substitute Leroy Sane wastefully blasted over with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Conor Washington saw a rising left-footed drive clip the woodwork and go over before Kimmich put the game beyond doubt with Germany's third, the full-back inadvertently teed up at the back post by Jonny Evans' clearing header.
Northern Ireland at least had the last word through Magennis, who reacted quickly after Gareth McAuley had headed a deep corner back across. The goal was just reward for their vocal support, although they will have to negotiate the play-offs if they are to join their opponents in Russia.
Reigning champions Germany booked their place at next year's World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Needing just a point in Belfast to top Group C, Joachim Low's side overcame a number of key absences, as well as a spirited home side, to make it nine wins from nine in qualifying.Despite being without World Cup winners Mario Gotze, Sami Khedira, Manuel Nuer and Mesut Ozil - as well as Timo Werner - Germany demonstrated their strength in depth as two first-half goals saw off their nearest rivals on the road.
Sebastian Rudy let fly with a right-footed rocket inside two minutes to score his maiden international goal, his wonder strike briefly silencing a boisterous crowd inside Windsor Park.
Any hopes of the hosts marking Michael O'Neill's 50th match in charge with an upset disappeared when Sandro Wagner - starting up top in place of the absent Werner - spun away from his marker to curl in a second in the 21st minute.
Joshua Kimmich added a third for Germany, volleying in from a tight angle in the closing minutes, before Josh Magennis nodded in a late consolation for Northern Ireland with the last kick of the game.
Northern Ireland had not conceded in qualifying since a 2-0 defeat against the same opponents in Hannover last October, winning five on the trot to make sure of a top-two finish. However, their slim hopes of catching the group leaders suffered a blow inside two minutes with Rudy's long-range stunner.
The Bayern Munich midfielder spectacularly broke his duck for Germany by thrashing a first-time shot beyond Michael McGovern, the ball curling away from the goalkeeper to find the net via a deflection off the upright.
Germany's second was almost as impressive, Wagner cleverly turning the defender tight to his back to create the chance to curl home a left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The goal was a reward for Wagner's persistence, the Hoffenheim forward having twice gone close previously with headers, the first saved at close range by McGovern before the woodwork kept out a calculated flick from Kimmich's teasing cross.
Despite barely getting a kick for long periods in the first half, Northern Ireland went close to halving the deficit when Corry Evans' goal-bound poke was blocked by the advancing Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Yet the close shave failed to be a catalyst for a second-half fightback as Germany resumed their dominance immediately after the break.McGovern produced a finger-tip save on the stretch to turn a Thomas Muller header wide, while substitute Leroy Sane wastefully blasted over with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Conor Washington saw a rising left-footed drive clip the woodwork and go over before Kimmich put the game beyond doubt with Germany's third, the full-back inadvertently teed up at the back post by Jonny Evans' clearing header.
Northern Ireland at least had the last word through Magennis, who reacted quickly after Gareth McAuley had headed a deep corner back across. The goal was just reward for their vocal support, although they will have to negotiate the play-offs if they are to join their opponents in Russia.
Bayern Munich offer Heynckes head coach job until end of the season
Jupp Heynckes has confirmed that he has been offered the opportunity to become Bayern Munich interim boss until the end of the season.
The former Bayern coach, who will be taking over for a fourth spell in charge should he accept the offer, has revealed a meeting with Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Hasan Salihamidzic. "They have asked me to takeover as a coach until summer 2018. We spoke about many things."
Heynckes told German newspaper Rheinische Post: "Nothing is clear, nothing is cut and dried. I have to think about it for now. Four years have passed since I ended my work at Bayern and the football has changed."
After a slow start to the campaign, head coach Carlo Ancelotti was sacked, with a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain the final straw for the club’s hierarchy.
It has been reported that prior to that game senior figures in the Bayern squad had fallen out of favour with the Italian, with Arjen Robben one of those who allegedly criticised Ancelotti, although he described those claims as “bulls***”. "All of a sudden there are things appearing in the media that I would like to distance myself from. These so-called quotes are bulls***," Robben told NUsport.
"I hate it when things like this happen. I am the last person out there who would have a go at a coach, a fellow player or anyone else. You have to be a man when someone leaves and don't hit out at anyone."
Nevertheless, the return of Heynckes to the Allianz Arena hotseat should be a move that pleases the Dutchman, who scored a dramatic late winner for the Bayern team that the 72-year-old led to Champions League glory, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley in 2012-13.
Heynckes first coached Bayern from 1987-91, then on a caretaker basis in 2009 before his most recent stint between 2011 and 2013.
He finds himself coming into a club struggling with transition, lying second in the Bundesliga, five points behind leaders Dortmund, and facing a fight just to qualify from their Champions League group, in which they will face a vital double header with Scottish champions Celtic before the end of the month.
Heynckes is a veteran of the coaching game, having first taken charge of Borussia Monchengladbach, where he had been an iconic striker, in 1979. He has since flitted between jobs in Germany and Spain, spending one year in Portugal with Benfica.
As well as winning the Champions League with Bayern, he also lifted the trophy with Real Madrid in 1997-98, after which he was thereafter sacked for failing to perform in La Liga.
To his credit, he has three Bundesliga titles as a coach and four more from his playing days, all of which he won at Gladbach. Indeed, perhaps his greatest achievements were claimed on the field, where he won the 1972 European Championship with West Germany and the subsequent World Cup in 1974.
In 2013, Heynckes was named as FIFA’s World Coach of the Year.
Jupp Heynckes has confirmed that he has been offered the opportunity to become Bayern Munich interim boss until the end of the season.
The former Bayern coach, who will be taking over for a fourth spell in charge should he accept the offer, has revealed a meeting with Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Hasan Salihamidzic. "They have asked me to takeover as a coach until summer 2018. We spoke about many things."
Heynckes told German newspaper Rheinische Post: "Nothing is clear, nothing is cut and dried. I have to think about it for now. Four years have passed since I ended my work at Bayern and the football has changed."
After a slow start to the campaign, head coach Carlo Ancelotti was sacked, with a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain the final straw for the club’s hierarchy.
It has been reported that prior to that game senior figures in the Bayern squad had fallen out of favour with the Italian, with Arjen Robben one of those who allegedly criticised Ancelotti, although he described those claims as “bulls***”. "All of a sudden there are things appearing in the media that I would like to distance myself from. These so-called quotes are bulls***," Robben told NUsport.
"I hate it when things like this happen. I am the last person out there who would have a go at a coach, a fellow player or anyone else. You have to be a man when someone leaves and don't hit out at anyone."
Nevertheless, the return of Heynckes to the Allianz Arena hotseat should be a move that pleases the Dutchman, who scored a dramatic late winner for the Bayern team that the 72-year-old led to Champions League glory, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley in 2012-13.
Heynckes first coached Bayern from 1987-91, then on a caretaker basis in 2009 before his most recent stint between 2011 and 2013.
He finds himself coming into a club struggling with transition, lying second in the Bundesliga, five points behind leaders Dortmund, and facing a fight just to qualify from their Champions League group, in which they will face a vital double header with Scottish champions Celtic before the end of the month.
Heynckes is a veteran of the coaching game, having first taken charge of Borussia Monchengladbach, where he had been an iconic striker, in 1979. He has since flitted between jobs in Germany and Spain, spending one year in Portugal with Benfica.
As well as winning the Champions League with Bayern, he also lifted the trophy with Real Madrid in 1997-98, after which he was thereafter sacked for failing to perform in La Liga.
To his credit, he has three Bundesliga titles as a coach and four more from his playing days, all of which he won at Gladbach. Indeed, perhaps his greatest achievements were claimed on the field, where he won the 1972 European Championship with West Germany and the subsequent World Cup in 1974.
In 2013, Heynckes was named as FIFA’s World Coach of the Year.
Relationship with Spain colleague Pique is 'very good', says Ramos
Sergio Ramos insists the Spain squad are united in the goal of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup - and has backed up Gerard Pique's comments about the pair's "very good" relationship.
Ahead of Friday's qualifier against Albania, the Real Madrid defender spoke about a difficult week for his country following the violence at the Catalan independence referendum last Sunday.
However, while airing his belief that sport and politics shouldn't mix, Ramos hopes the country can now come together to cheer on the national team, as they bid to maintain top spot in Group G and secure a place in Russia next year.
Julen Lopetegui's side sit three points clear of nearest rivals Italy in the standings, with their home tie against Albania followed by a trip to Israel on Monday."It is a mistake to mix politics and sport. It has not been an easy week - we must focus on Albania," Ramos told the media.
"We have all been united by the goal of the Albania game and to go one step further for the World Cup."It would be my fourth World Cup and it is something that fills me with pride, like being here, in every game, in every training session with Spain."
Ramos was also asked about Pique, who declared his continued commitment to the national team on Wednesday despite being booed by supporters during an open training session earlier in the week. There was speculation the central-defensive pairing had fallen out over a tweet Barcelona's Pique posted in support of the controversial vote in Catalonia, but Spain's captain dismissed the idea of a rift.
"We have a very good relationship even though we think differently. There should not be any problem between us," Ramos said.
Sergio Ramos insists the Spain squad are united in the goal of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup - and has backed up Gerard Pique's comments about the pair's "very good" relationship.
Ahead of Friday's qualifier against Albania, the Real Madrid defender spoke about a difficult week for his country following the violence at the Catalan independence referendum last Sunday.
However, while airing his belief that sport and politics shouldn't mix, Ramos hopes the country can now come together to cheer on the national team, as they bid to maintain top spot in Group G and secure a place in Russia next year.
Julen Lopetegui's side sit three points clear of nearest rivals Italy in the standings, with their home tie against Albania followed by a trip to Israel on Monday."It is a mistake to mix politics and sport. It has not been an easy week - we must focus on Albania," Ramos told the media.
"We have all been united by the goal of the Albania game and to go one step further for the World Cup."It would be my fourth World Cup and it is something that fills me with pride, like being here, in every game, in every training session with Spain."
Ramos was also asked about Pique, who declared his continued commitment to the national team on Wednesday despite being booed by supporters during an open training session earlier in the week. There was speculation the central-defensive pairing had fallen out over a tweet Barcelona's Pique posted in support of the controversial vote in Catalonia, but Spain's captain dismissed the idea of a rift.
"We have a very good relationship even though we think differently. There should not be any problem between us," Ramos said.
Mourinho: I'm a better coach now, I can control my emotionsManchester United boss Jose Mourinho insists that he is more in control of his emotions than ever, leading to him being a better manager as a result.The Portuguese trainer has been no stranger to controversy in the past, often being accused of playing mind games in press conferences to get a psychological edge over opponents.
Similarly, Mourinho has been sent to the stands more than a few times for verbal disagreements with officials, while disciplinary fines are also a mainstay on the coach's rap sheet.
Now, however, Man Utd, who were originally said to be apprehensive about hiring Mourinho due to his behaviour, will be buoyed by his assertion that he can now keep a lid on his passionate personality.
“I'm a better coach today than I was before because I can control my emotions,” Mourinho told Portuguese outlet Record .“These days I face difficulties with more maturity – it means I keep my feet on the ground.”
The Red Devils have hit the ground running in the Premier League, racking up six wins and one draw since the beginning of the season and sit in second place behind Man City purely on goal difference.
Many are hailing United's return to form as the best they have been since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, with fans and pundits slating the side to win the league.Mourinho, however, is keen not to get ahead of himself.“Things started off more difficult last year and the season turned out really well,” he said, referring to the club's Europa League and League Cup victories.
“But this year has started off really well so we don't know how it's going to end.
“In another league [our start] would mean we've basically won the title, but in England in means nothing.”
With World Cup 2018 qualifiers under way again, attentions have turned to Portugal and the Man Utd boss feels that it will be difficult for the nation to echo their Euro 2016 glory.
“Portugal are the European champions at national level and that's not easy to repeat, just as a Portuguese team winning the Champions League again will be tough, but Portuguese football continues to produce high quality players.”
Asked how the Seleccao would fare in their upcoming clashes with Andorra and Switzerland, Mourinho was unequivocal: “We'll win and go to the World Cup.”
Manchester United return to action on October 14 with a high profile clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
All bark, no bite: Wasteful Argentina staring at catastrophic World Cup elimination
When you can no longer change the players on the pitch, try and change the fans. Argentina brought a must-win World Cup qualifying clash against Peru to Boca Juniors' infamous Bombonera on Thursday, in an attempt to up the ante at the end of a spluttering campaign for Russia 2018.
The more intimate, vociferous atmosphere in the stadium, it was argued, would push the Albiceleste on to a win that was desperately needed in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic failure to make the finals. The fans were there, in full voice throughout - but the situation on the pitch was depressingly familiar as Lionel Messi and his charges limped to another draw that could have catastrophic consequences.
Jorge Sampaoli's quest to find a working Argentina team continued again in just his third competitive game on the bench. Local Boca hero Dario Benedetto started up front, while Messi dropped back to a more traditional No. 10 role and Alejandro Gomez was rewarded for his fine form in Serie A with a start.
It was all to no avail, however. Argentina once more dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes, but could not find away through a Peru side also playing for their lives with the tantalising prize of the World Cup looming just over the horizon. On the few occasions they did, the Albiceleste once more came up against a goalkeeper apparently channelling the spirit of an entire nation in order to keep the hosts at bay.
Pedro Gallese came up with top-drawer saves to deny Benedetto, Lucas Biglia and Gomez, with Messi additionally striking the post. Three of those attempts came within a frenetic one-minute spell right at the start of the second half, Argentina's best spell of a game which was on the whole far below what one would expect of a team so packed with talent.
It was all bark but no bite from the home team. The rotten fortune that afflicted the nation on Thursday can be summed up in a five-minute cameo from Fernando Gago, who entered in the second half to a standing ovation from his adoring Bombonera but was soon going back down the tunnel after turning awkwardly.
"It's my cruciates," the midfielder could be heard telling Messi as he waited to be helped off, and his exit so soon after promising to lift Argentina with his incisive passing was another body blow on a night that bordered on the bizarre. Sampaoli may point to that setback, as well as an admittedly ample number of chances squandered, in his bid to explain just what went wrong at the Bombonera.
It is true that in losing Gago the coach was robbed of a substitution that surely would have seen Mauro Icardi replace Benedetto, whose lack of polish was palpable across the 90 minutes. But the ex-Sevilla man also must shoulder his part of the blame for playing Benedetto in the first place when in the Inter man and Gonzalo Higuain, not even picked for the squad, he had two international-class finishers clicking their heels from the outside.
Messi, too, will rue a performance that ranked far from his best. As a provider he will feel more than aggrieved that fine passes into Benedetto and Gomez were not converted, but La Pulga was equally guilty in turning onto the post a rebound that nine times out of 10 one would expect him to bury. Perhaps the anxiety that has gripped an entire nation in this tortuous qualifying campaign has finally caught up with the maestro: as the minutes went on he turned skittish, losing the clockwork precision that is his trademark and failing to beat a Peru defence that gnawed at his ankles like a pack of rabid pitbull terriers.
Now as well as football aficionados, Argentina fans must turn to amateur mathematics. Thursday's 0-0 draw leaves the Albiceleste in sixth place, behind Peru on goals scored and out of the World Cup going into the last game. That decider is in Quito against Ecuador, a daunting prospect at altitude at any time but more so with so much at stake.
A draw could still see them take a play-off spot, provided Paraguay drop points and the Inca come unstuck at home against Colombia or Chile lose heavily against a Brazil that, if Thursday's evidence in Bolivia is anything to go by, are coasting serenely through the rest of this campaign. But realistically only a win will do, and that will not happen unless they break a goal drought that is inexplicable however you wish to look at it.
No less than 456 minutes have now passed since an Argentina player scored a competitive goal from open play. There is no excuse for a run like that, when a team boasts the finest player on the planet and a more than accomplished supporting cast. Thursday showed plenty of bark from the Bombonera terraces, but if Messi and Co. cannot add bite and killer instinct in Quito they can forget about Russia.
When you can no longer change the players on the pitch, try and change the fans. Argentina brought a must-win World Cup qualifying clash against Peru to Boca Juniors' infamous Bombonera on Thursday, in an attempt to up the ante at the end of a spluttering campaign for Russia 2018.
The more intimate, vociferous atmosphere in the stadium, it was argued, would push the Albiceleste on to a win that was desperately needed in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic failure to make the finals. The fans were there, in full voice throughout - but the situation on the pitch was depressingly familiar as Lionel Messi and his charges limped to another draw that could have catastrophic consequences.
Jorge Sampaoli's quest to find a working Argentina team continued again in just his third competitive game on the bench. Local Boca hero Dario Benedetto started up front, while Messi dropped back to a more traditional No. 10 role and Alejandro Gomez was rewarded for his fine form in Serie A with a start.
It was all to no avail, however. Argentina once more dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes, but could not find away through a Peru side also playing for their lives with the tantalising prize of the World Cup looming just over the horizon. On the few occasions they did, the Albiceleste once more came up against a goalkeeper apparently channelling the spirit of an entire nation in order to keep the hosts at bay.
Pedro Gallese came up with top-drawer saves to deny Benedetto, Lucas Biglia and Gomez, with Messi additionally striking the post. Three of those attempts came within a frenetic one-minute spell right at the start of the second half, Argentina's best spell of a game which was on the whole far below what one would expect of a team so packed with talent.
It was all bark but no bite from the home team. The rotten fortune that afflicted the nation on Thursday can be summed up in a five-minute cameo from Fernando Gago, who entered in the second half to a standing ovation from his adoring Bombonera but was soon going back down the tunnel after turning awkwardly.
"It's my cruciates," the midfielder could be heard telling Messi as he waited to be helped off, and his exit so soon after promising to lift Argentina with his incisive passing was another body blow on a night that bordered on the bizarre. Sampaoli may point to that setback, as well as an admittedly ample number of chances squandered, in his bid to explain just what went wrong at the Bombonera.
It is true that in losing Gago the coach was robbed of a substitution that surely would have seen Mauro Icardi replace Benedetto, whose lack of polish was palpable across the 90 minutes. But the ex-Sevilla man also must shoulder his part of the blame for playing Benedetto in the first place when in the Inter man and Gonzalo Higuain, not even picked for the squad, he had two international-class finishers clicking their heels from the outside.
Messi, too, will rue a performance that ranked far from his best. As a provider he will feel more than aggrieved that fine passes into Benedetto and Gomez were not converted, but La Pulga was equally guilty in turning onto the post a rebound that nine times out of 10 one would expect him to bury. Perhaps the anxiety that has gripped an entire nation in this tortuous qualifying campaign has finally caught up with the maestro: as the minutes went on he turned skittish, losing the clockwork precision that is his trademark and failing to beat a Peru defence that gnawed at his ankles like a pack of rabid pitbull terriers.
Now as well as football aficionados, Argentina fans must turn to amateur mathematics. Thursday's 0-0 draw leaves the Albiceleste in sixth place, behind Peru on goals scored and out of the World Cup going into the last game. That decider is in Quito against Ecuador, a daunting prospect at altitude at any time but more so with so much at stake.
A draw could still see them take a play-off spot, provided Paraguay drop points and the Inca come unstuck at home against Colombia or Chile lose heavily against a Brazil that, if Thursday's evidence in Bolivia is anything to go by, are coasting serenely through the rest of this campaign. But realistically only a win will do, and that will not happen unless they break a goal drought that is inexplicable however you wish to look at it.
No less than 456 minutes have now passed since an Argentina player scored a competitive goal from open play. There is no excuse for a run like that, when a team boasts the finest player on the planet and a more than accomplished supporting cast. Thursday showed plenty of bark from the Bombonera terraces, but if Messi and Co. cannot add bite and killer instinct in Quito they can forget about Russia.
