Football: Tale Of New Coaches As South American World Cup Race Resumes

MONTEVIDEO, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News -31st Augst,2016) - Injury-hit Argentina resume their bid for a berth at the 2018 World Cup on Thursday as Brazil head into the latest round of South American qualifiers hoping to build on their Olympic gold medal triumph. In the five months since the last batch of games in South America's marathon qualifying campaign, both Brazil and Argentina have undergone massive upheaval, with each side parting company with their coaches. Brazil kissed goodbye to 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga after a dismal campaign in the Copa America Centenario which saw the five-time world champions knocked out in the group stage.

Argentina meanwhile split with Gerardo Martino following his team's Copa America final defeat to Chile in June, a loss which prompted a tearful Lionel Messi to announce his retirement from international football. Messi was subsequently coaxed into a u-turn by new coach Edgardo Bauza, confirming in August that he would continue to be available. But the Barcelona superstar is uncertain for Thursday's showdown with historical rivals Uruguay in Mendoza, with the 29-year-old struggling to overcome a groin injury. Messi has traveled to Argentina to join the squad and was seen taking part in light drills in training on Tuesday.