Argentina were back in training as soon as possible following another disastrous result in what has been a forgettable World Cup qualifying campaign.
Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Nicolas Otamendi were seen shaking off their heavy legs on Friday morning after labouring to a 0-0 draw against Peru to leave their place at next year's tournament in serious doubt.
They do not play again until next Wednesday, but Jorge Sampaoli wasted no time in starting preparations for a game that will dictate his future as national head coach.
Lionel Messi looks on with Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia (left) during Argentina training
Mauro Icardi extends a leg in an attempt to control a loose pass during a training drill
Argentina's goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin fails to stop a ball next to Nahuel Guzman
Argentina currently sit sixth in the South American qualifying zone with only the top four gaining automatic entry into the World Cup in Russia. However, they are level on points with Peru, who currently occupy the fifth-place play-off, and just one behind third-place Chile.
As Peru play fourth-placed Colombia and Chile face an away trip to Brazil, Argentina still have their future in their own hands with a win guaranteeing them at least a play-off spot, which will be contested against New Zealand in November.
Despite an impressive roster that includes Messi, Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi, goals have been the biggest problem for Argentina with their 16 strikes in 17 games the second worst record in the entire division.
Messi jogs with his Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Mascherano as part of training
Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi leads the squad through a warm-up routine
Dario Benedetto (left) stretches his legs with Messi and Otamendi as training continues
Worse yet, their form has only deteriorated as the campaign has gone on and they go into the away tie with Ecuador having taken just three points from four games, scoring one goal in the process.
Following the draw with Peru, Sampaoli, who faces the sack if Argentina do not make it to the World Cup, said: 'Today Argentina was far superior to Peru, playing with a lot of authority.
'The situation is not comfortable. But the ranking still depends on us. We could not beat them on the scoreboard but they did in the game. We are very hopeful for everything that comes.
'I am convinced that if we are as we were today, that Argentina is going to the World Cup.'
Argentina's defender Federico Fazio (L) vies for the ball with Juventus forward Paulo Dybala