Reigning champions Argentina begin their World Cup ****** le defence with a favourable draw in Group J, where they are joined by Algeria, Austria and tournament debutants Jordan.
Lionel Messi - who was hit with a late injury scare at the worst possible time - returns for his sixth World Cup and remains the key figure in Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side, who are among the favourites to triumph in North America this summer and join Italy and Germany as four-time winners.
Austria and Algeria are three places apart in the Fifa rankings and provide an intriguing battle for the second qualifying spot from this group, while minnows Jordan, taking part for the first time, will be hopeful they can spring a surprise or two.
This year’s expanded World Cup of 48 teams means eight of the 12 third place finishers will qualify for the next round, so it really is all to play for.
(all times BST)
Lionel Messi - who was hit with a late injury scare at the worst possible time - returns for his sixth World Cup and remains the key figure in Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side, who are among the favourites to triumph in North America this summer and join Italy and Germany as four-time winners.
Austria and Algeria are three places apart in the Fifa rankings and provide an intriguing battle for the second qualifying spot from this group, while minnows Jordan, taking part for the first time, will be hopeful they can spring a surprise or two.
This year’s expanded World Cup of 48 teams means eight of the 12 third place finishers will qualify for the next round, so it really is all to play for.
(all times BST)
3 hours ago
