March is already far away

What transpired before, during and after the adverse result against Bolivia had its consequences. The sanction to Lionel Messi a few hours before the start in La Paz was an unexpected and culminating event that eliminated any possibility of minimal success. The very weak performance ended up sinking Edgardo Bauza's scarce credentials, who was dismissed shortly after the elections that marked the continuity of a leadership model established for almost 40 years, this time with Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia's face.

Jorge Sampaoli became the new coach and change would come almost instantly

The matches against Brazil and Singapore were evaluations for both debutants and referents, who had to revalidate their position and call-up. After that tour, some conclusions were reached: a somewhat risky tactical modification that can yield results if it is fine-tuned over time; the premise of "everyone pressing and collaborating," a determining factor for the coach, whose first victim was Gonzalo Higuaín, one of the targeted players as of late.

In comparison with the "Patón's" last squad, the modifications are specific: betting on youth, in some cases, and taking advantage of the good moment, in others, no matter which league they play in. Gerónimo Rulli, Federico Bustos, Leandro Paredes, Emiliano Rigoni, Mauro Icardi, Darío Benedetto, and Lautaro Acosta are the first tests that the change has arrived.

This uncomfortable double date will have different objectives: getting out of the playoffs, getting closer to qualification, and improving in the game. In addition, playing against Uruguay, who is only one point ahead of Argentina, generates more expectation. Considering the last seven official matches (Qualifiers and Copa América), the "Clásico del Río de la Plata" has provided encounters full of tension, like in 2010 with the 1-0 in favor of the team led by Diego Maradona and the 5-4 on penalties for the Uruguayans in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Copa América; spectacle, like the 3-0 in 2012 in Mendoza with Messi's goal under the wall; and discontent, seen in the last classic that marked Bauza's debut.

Brazil is the only one who managed to secure their tickets for next year. The other national teams have experienced ups and downs in the standings. The national team will face the final stretch with its third coach, a result of the chaos reigning in the administration of Argentine soccer. Achieving the goal before the end of the Qualifiers would be ideal for Sampaoli to work with the tranquility that Gerardo Martino and Edgardo Bauza did not have. If it is not achieved, the clock hands will run slower.