Argentina vs. Colombia: Key Battles to Watch in World Cup Qualifier

A few of their continental rivals may disagree, but for most observers Friday's clash in the Estadio Monumental brings together the two best teams currently in South America. Argentina and Colombia are both just one step away from booking their place in the World Cup, and the upcoming fixture will be a fascinating look at their development in the last two years. 

While the home side have been transformed since the arrival of coach Alejandro Sabella, Colombia have experienced their own renaissance. Argentine national Jose Pekerman took his home nation to the World Cup in 2006, and his one-year stint with the Cafeteros has changed their fortunes, bringing a flagging side to the brink of Brazil 2014. 

In terms of the talent on display, we should be in for a treat in Buenos Aires. Stars such as Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao, Sergio Aguero and James Rodriguez will be taking their place on international duty, looking to wow their home fans in the same way they have done across Europe. 

But where will this game be won and lost? Bleacher Report identifies the individual contests across the pitch that could prove crucial on Friday evening. 

Radamel Falcao vs. Ezequiel Garay

If Colombia hope to grab an upset in Argentina's backyard, a lot hinges on the outrageous shooting talents of one Radamel Falcao. El Tigre has been in phenomenal form over 2012-13, and Monaco fans will get their first chance to see their new signing in the flesh since completing a move from Atletico Madrid. 

Falcao is no stranger to the Monumental, having represented River Plate for several years before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. There is plenty of affection for the striker still remaining on the part of the Millonario faithful, but on Friday they will put their hopes on Ezequiel Garay to put the brakes on and stop him punishing the Argentine defence. 

The Benfica man has gone from strength to strength since finally escaping from a frustrating spell at Real Madrid, where he was starved of playing time. He is now firmly installed alongside Fede Fernandez as the Albiceleste's first-choice defensive partnership, and is growing in confidence. 

Argentina's defence is slowly improving, but still shows the occasional crack, especially from set-pieces. If Falcao finds his virtuoso top form, he could do damage in this showpiece qualifier. 

Lionel Messi vs. Mario Yepes

It is a fascinating clash, the world's best player going head to head with the Colombia captain and veteran of 88 caps. While on paper Lionel Messi should have more than enough to overcome the ageing Mario Yepes, the central defender's wiles still make him a force to be reckoned with at the back. 

Another Colombian with ample Monumental experience, having lifted two national championships with River around the turn of the millennium, Yepes will not be intimidated by either the Buenos Aires atmosphere or the prospect of marking La Pulga, who is expected to play on Friday after recovering from an injury that had put his participation in doubt. 

The 37-year-old veteran certainly showed his worth last time the two sides played. Messi suffered one of his quietest games of the qualifying campaign as Colombia almost inflicted defeat on the Argentines, leading 1-0 going into the last half hour. But once the Barcelona star turned on the class, there was no answer from the Colombians; he netted one and set up Sergio Aguero as the away team battled to a comeback victory. 

Yepes has the experience and knowhow to make life difficult for Lio, but the defender knows that any slip will be punished mercilessly by the Argentina No. 10. 

Angel Di Maria vs. Edwin Valencia

Under the tutelage of both Jose Mourinho in Madrid and national coach Alejandro Sabella, Angel Di Maria's game has been changed to an almost unrecognisable degree. Gone is the unreliable, selfish and theatrical raw talent that frustrated so much; in its place, we are left with a dynamic star that would be an asset for any team in the world. 

The Rosario native provides the link between midfield and attack for the Seleccion, making the left wing his own and combining naturally with Aguero and Messi further forward. Di Maria's work-rate, as evidenced during a lung-busting shift in La Paz last time round, is impeccable, while his value value in attack has also been proved with two goals and a handful of assists so far in the qualifying competition. 

Tasked with stopping Fideo in his tracks is one of the more unheralded players in the Colombia lineup. Edwin Valencia is one of the few Cafeteros never to have played in Europe, but years of consistent form as a midfield destroyer in Brazil have convinced Pekerman to give him a chance, and the 28-year-old keeps out the likes of Fredy Guarin in the first team as he anchors the team from deep. 

James Rodriguez vs. Javier Mascherano

If Di Maria provides Argentina's midfield with the creative spark to unlock backlines, the man tasked with the same job in the Cafetero lineup is Porto's wonderkid James Rodriguez. Two scintillating years as a teenager in Banfield mean the Albiceleste public know exactly what to expect from the new Monaco recruit, but stopping him will be a different story altogether. 

There is a reason why the principality side were convinced to break the Ligue 1 transfer record and spend a staggering €45 million for the 21-year-old talent, who can play either down the middle or on the left side of midfield. James boasts a mastery of the ball at his feet, while his vision means he serves as a worthy foil for Radamel Falcao as the sole forward, or Teo Gutierrez if Pekerman opts for two strikers. 

Of course, the man who will follow him across the Monumental grass is no slouch either. Former Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is a tenacious character in the middle, hitting hard and taking advantage of any loose passes in order to regain possession for his team. If he can take Rodriguez out of the equation, El Jefecito will give his team a crucial boost as they seek victory. 

Gonzalo Higuain vs. Pablo Armero

The right side of the pitch from Argentina's perspective is another key battleground upon which three points could be won or lost. Gonzalo Higuain is in electric form for the national team and will be hungry for goals, but he can take nothing for granted against the equally explosive talents of Pablo Armero lining up at left back. 

Even during one of the least impressive domestic seasons of his career, Higuain has been Argentina's principal attacking weapon. The Real Madrid star, yet another player with history in River Plate—a total of four players across both starting XIs represented the Millonarios—is the top scorer in South American qualifying, netting nine goals so far to narrowly lead Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. 

2011's match against Colombia was one of the few Conmebol fixtures in which he failed to get on the scoresheet, and Pipita will be keen to remedy that on Friday evening. 

Armero's talents lie primarily in attack. Pekerman dispensed with wide forwards in the Colombia lineup, instead packing the middle of the pitch with talent and giving his full-backs license to bomb up and down the field, in the best Brazilian tradition.

Against the qualifying leaders, however, and Higuain, Armero will have to temper those instincts to get forward and put in a strong defensive shift, to avoid putting too much pressure on his teammates at the back.