A Realistic Look Is Imposed

This afternoon, a sweet performance from the National Team is not expected. The unique context, at 3,600 meters above sea level, exempts them from any aesthetic requirement. However, beyond the non-football difficulties (and the doubt about Messi's presence), both the coach and the players face a great opportunity against Bolivia, not only to continue advancing towards Russia 2018, but also to grow as a team. It is an ideal chance for everyone to exhibit collective arguments capable of disguising adverse circumstances. The "win at all costs" was not enough against Chile. It was evident. And it should not be supported either. The challenge for Argentina is to show themselves as a team with altitude, despite everything. The match will start at 17:00 and will be televised by TyC Sports and TV Pública.

Sustained by a Special Strategy

The obligation of the National Team is to give serious, sober, and astute answers. Argentina needs Edgardo Bauza and his players to respond as they should. Far from the ironic game that the noble and lovable Patón decided to play since the empty football victory against Chile, a formula that damaged his image due to the importance of his role and unnecessarily affected his credibility before public opinion and also before his own players? All just when the last match under the Normalizing Committee that chose him approaches. How far will the new authorities support him? Although Claudio Tapia (the president of the AFA who is coming) clarified that he will not remove him from his position, the exposure of the coach in this unique scenario is an exaggerated act. A shame.

Altitude Affects

It's not a fairy tale. Altitude affects. If it has its way with any visitor who comes here from the plain, suffocating them in the first steps, drying their throat, and causing headaches, it remains to be imagined how much it affects a football player in their maximum effort, even if they are super professionals prepared for the occasion. There is a geographical barrier that the National Team must overcome, but it is not an excuse. Let's not get confused.

No Excuses

The National Team cannot take refuge in the wave of absences either. If the regular starters faltered against Brazil, depended on Messi against Colombia, and suffered against Chile, what guarantees could they provide at high altitude? It's the moment for those who dream of starting to impose themselves.

Bauza's Chosen Plan

The plan chosen by Bauza (with Messi) seems logical. With seven changes, excluding Agüero plus the absences of Otamendi, Mercado, Mas, Biglia, Mascherano, and Higuaín, he designed a team opposed to the four fantastic players who played against Chile, under a concept of protection, caution, and counterattack in a tactical skeleton that will start as a 4-4-1-2 but could mutate into a 4-5-1 (if Messi decides to rest on the right) or a 4-4-2 (if Leo ventures forward).

The Lineup

There will be a defense with many centimeters to defend every Bolivian cross: Roncaglia, Musacchio, Funes Mori, and Rojo. There will be a midfield with the containment of Enzo Pérez, Guido Pizarro (coming from the Mexican altitude), and Ever Banega, with the support of Di María. There will be an attack supported by the explosions of Fideo Di María (can he repeat his superhero performance from 2013?) and Messi, hoping that Enzo Pérez can take off at some point and that Pratto won't be isolated up front. And why not imagine that the goal comes from a corner kick or a free kick, hurting the giant defenders or Pratto himself?

All of this, counting on Messi. If FIFA decides to suspend the number 10, Bauza will have to make an unexpected change, deviating from the script.

Bolivia's Dream

Excited and prepared with absolute meticulousness, Bolivia hopes to deliver a blow to Argentina. The intention of Mauricio Soria's team is clear: intensity, circulation, and continuity of play. That's why everyone here asks that Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán not interrupt the development at every moment, something that would favor Messi and company.

Generating an Impact

Knowing that reaching Russia 2018 is already impossible, Bolivia's obsession is to generate an impact against the National Team. That's why they did not bring several of their key players to Colombia: Diego Bejarano, Edwin Zenteno, Raúl Castro, Pablo Escobar, Alejandro Chumacero, Jhasmani Campos, and Diego Wayar, most of them specialists in altitude from The Strongest, a team from this city... in these qualifiers, Bolivia lost 3 matches (Uruguay, Colombia, and Peru), drew 1 (Ecuador), and won only 2 (against Venezuela and Paraguay).

It's Possible

It is true that Argentina suffered here in the Era Passarella with that defeat against Cruz and the 6-1 with Maradona as coach. It is also true that in other expeditions to the Hernando Siles Stadium, they managed to salvage a smile, like the victory in 2005 or the draws in 2001 and 2013. So, despite everything, it is possible.