The result left Argentina outside CONMEBOL's automatic qualification places and put them in danger of missing their first World Cup since 1970. It also exposed the team's dependence on Messi, and that is why Argentina officials will likely do all they can to reduce the 29-year-old's penalty via FIFA's appeals process.

COLOMBIA ARE THE REAL DEAL

Questions were asked about Colombia's credentials after an unconvincing 1-0 home win over Bolivia last Thursday, a result that followed a 3-0 loss to Argentina and home draws against Chile and Uruguay. But Jose Pekerman's side put all doubt aside on Tuesday with a 2-0 away victory over Ecuador.

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez continued his rich vein of goalscoring form with his fifth goal of the campaign, while Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado was also on the scoresheet in Quito. Victories in their remaining two home matches should be enough to secure the Cafeteros a place at their second consecutive World Cup.

ECUADOR ARE IN FREEFALL

Ecuador set the CONMEBOL tournament ablaze early, leading the standings after victories in each of their first four matches. Since then the team has managed just two wins, two draws and six losses, and they are now in a battle just to earn a playoff spot.

The loss of form has led to growing calls for coach Gustavo Quinteros to be sacked. Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) president Carlos Villacis refused to back the beleaguered manager during a press conference on Wednesday, saying a decision would be made on his future next Monday following a meeting of FEF directors.

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