Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza remains confident about their chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup ahead of the game against Colombia on Tuesday.
Bauza has overseen only four wins in 11 qualifying games to date, including a 3-0 defeat against Brazil last time out, a run of results that leaves Argentina outside the four automatic spots which would guarantee them a place in the finals in Russia.
Victory against third-placed Colombia would ease the pressure considerably and Bauza has called for supporters to get behind his team.
#Eliminatorias Bauza: "Nunca pongo en duda la clasificación a Rusia 2018". pic.twitter.com/ebvcjoE0JF
- Selección Argentina (@Argentina) November 13, 2016
"I never put qualifying for Russia 2018 in doubt," he told a news conference. "The points we've lost hurt, but we still depend on ourselves. The group is strong and that gives us confidence.
"We've lost points that we didn't think we would and it's normal that criticism has come out. Hopefully in San Juan the people can spread the importance that this shirt has. We need that support.
"We haven't had a regularity in our play. The players have to impose the ability they have. The players know their condition and they know what they can do. I trust that.
"I work thinking about going to win the next game, as always. We're really looking forward to it. We're thinking about playing a good game and winning."