Chile v Argentina: Date, Time, TV Info, Live Stream for 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Argentina will be seeking to exact some revenge on Chile when these two sides meet for a CONMEBOL 2018 World Cup-qualifying clash on Thursday.

Chile were the victors when the teams met in the Copa America final last summer, with Alexis Sanchez netting the decisive penalty in the shootout. Since that showdown in Santiago, Chile, neither side have been at their best, with neither currently occupying an automatic qualifying spot for the 2018 World Cup. La Roja sit in fifth, while the Albiceleste are in sixth.

It makes this contest in Santiago a vital one for both sides as they seek to claw their way back into contention for guaranteed qualification. Here are the key viewing details for this one, where to watch the action and a look at how the contest is set to pan out.

Date: Thursday, March 24

Time: 7:30 p.m. (ET), 11:30 p.m. (GMT), 8:30 p.m. (Local)

Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect (U.S.)

TV Info: beIN Sports PPV (U.S.)

Chile and Argentina Searching for Spark

RODRIGO ARANGUA/Getty Images

After two wins and a draw from their first three qualifying matches, the transition from one major tournament into qualifying looked set to be an easy process for Chile.

Some flaws surfaced in their last outing, though. Against a gnarly Uruguay side La Roja struggled to cope and were well-beaten, 3-0. It condemned them to fourth place in the overall standings and suddenly made this clash with their illustrious opponents a vital one. 

It’s a game that, despite its obvious significance, will trigger happy memories for the Chile players and fans. Indeed, it was at this venue in July last year that La Roja clinched their first-ever major title. Here’s a reminder of the highlights of that tense final:

This match also signifies the start of a new era too. Their iconic coach, Jorge Sampaoli, resigned in January, with Juan Antonio Pizzi taking over the reins. Needless to say, after their glory last summer, the shoes to fill are big.

Defeat in the final was not something Argentina have ever quite recovered from, with a ropey beginning to their qualifying campaign. 

JUAN MABROMATA/Getty Images

Manager Tata Martino’s team have just one win to show for from their four games so far, although that was an admittedly impressive victory in Colombia in their last outing. There are still pertinent issues when it comes to this squad and reasons to be concerned as they head into this clash in Santiago, though.

As the Daily Mirror’s Ed Malyon noted here, options look a little scarce for Argentina at the heart of the back four, especially with defensive talisman Nicolas Otamendi injured:

"

With so many injuries, Argentina may have to face Chile in 10 days with Ramiro Funes Mori and Martin Demichelis as centre-backs.

— Ed Malyon (@eaamalyon) March 15, 2016"

However, the travelling supporters have reason to be buoyed too. As aforementioned, the win in Colombia was impressive, with the team showcasing a tenacity off the ball in Barranquilla that was scarce for long spells of the Copa America. Martino will also be able to call upon skipper Lionel Messi once again.

JUAN MABROMATA/Getty Images

The forward was injured for the matches with Colombia and Brazil last time out, making the Albiceleste’s task in two tough games all the more difficult. Messi’s mercurial influence will surely add the gloss to a robust setup, and these figures from the Champions League Twitter feed show he’s been in outstanding form lately:

Chile have their own quality too. The intensity and endeavour in their play—meticulously instilled by Sampaoli—will remain, while Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal are capable of producing moments to swing games their way. On home soil, with a fervent fanbase at their backs, they’re a tough side to beat as well.

Messi’s return is a huge boost for Argentina, and he’s a player who, despite a lot of criticism for his showings for the national team, brings so much to the starting XI. Expect a more open affair than the final last summer but for these two fine sides to be difficult to separate once again.

Prediction: Chile 2-2 Argentina