5 factors that will influence Argentina's chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup

#2 Turning their dire run

Forward Paulo Dybala was unused in Argentina's frustrating draw against Peru

Argentina's last competitive victory came against Chile back at the start of the year, and since then, the team have drop points in matches they were certain to win. The Messi-led team has arguably the best forward lineup in the world but has managed to net only 16 goals in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for Russia '18, the second lowest in South America.

Drawing the maximum number of matches in the qualifiers and tasting defeat in four clashes, the Argentines are ranked sixth in the standings which currently pushes them out of the World Cup.

After horrific performances under their former manager, the side have even failed to reproduce their performances from the 2014 edition under new manager Jorge Sampaoli. Under serious threat now, the Albiceleste would have to move past their past failures and look forward to the Ecuador tie as a do-or-die situation.