Goalkeeper Sergio Romero returns to the scene of his international debut looking to equal a record run of 26 matches unbeaten as Argentina visit Paraguay determined to book their World Cup ticket tonight.

Colombia, equal on 26 points with Argentina at the top of the South American group, can also book their passage to next year’s finals with a draw against Uruguay at the Centenario in Montevideo.

Along with third-placed Chile, who have a bye, the top three are guaranteed of at least reaching the fifth-place play-off against an Asian qualifier.

Romero, who made his debut in a 1-0 defeat in the equivalent fixture in Asuncion under then coach Diego Maradona on the way to the 2010 finals in South Africa, is eyeing Sergio Goycochea’s 26-match Argentina record.

Penalty specialist “Goyco” had his unbeaten run between Argentina’s defeat in the 1990 World Cup final in Rome and a 2-1 loss in a qualifier in Colombia in August 1993.

Romero returns to the side along with captain Lionel Messi and striker Sergio Aguero after the trio missed the 2-1 friendly win over Italy in Rome last month.

A victory will secure Argentina’s passage to the finals but they may go into their match in Paraguay having already done so without yet playing.

Argentina’s match is the last of four South American qualifiers late today and results in earlier clashes could ensure they finish in the top four places in the group and qualify.

The fifth-placed team, at present Uruguay, will go into a two-legged play-off against the winners of an Asian decider between Uzbekistan and Jordan.

Coach Alejandro Sabella will have another chance to test his team-building, fielding a side lacking four first choice players through suspension and left-back Marcos Rojo due to injury.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain is serving the second of a two-match ban and midfielder Javier Mascherano the first while centre-backs Ezequiel Garay and Federico Fernandez have accumulated two bookings each.

Playing tonight: Bolivia vs Ecuador; Uruguay vs Colombia; Venezuela vs Peru; Paraguay vs Argentina.

Standings: Argentina, Colombia 26; Chile 24; Ecuador 21; Uruguay 19; Venezuela 16; Peru 14; Paraguay 11; Bolivia 10.

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