Argentina came from behind to draw 1-1 with Venezuela on Tuesday, but their inability to take what should have been a comfortable three points means the 2014 losing finalists are still a long way from guaranteeing their place in Russia next year.
The home side, who were captained by Lionel Messi, had won all six of their previous home qualifiers against Venezuela and were expected to do the same against the team that is bottom of the South American group and without a win in 10 games.
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But they toiled against the Venezuelans, with Messi unable to replicate his form for Barcelona as the Argentines struggled offensively.
Argentina's failure to take all three points left them fifth in the standings with two matches remaining, out of the top four spots which bring with them direct qualification for the finals.
"Venezuela started to grow when they realised we couldn't finish them off," Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said after the match.
"We let a great opportunity escape us. That's football and it can happen.
"The important thing is we all push so Argentina can be at the 2018 World Cup."
Venezuela were already well out of the running for Russia but they got the opening goal just four minutes into the second half.
Jhon Murillo ran onto an incisive through ball and expertly chipped the advancing goalkeeper to give the visitors a surprise lead.
The advantage, though, lasted just four minutes and when Argentina equalized it came from the same left flank where all of their most dangerous attacks originated.
Marcos Acuna, who had replaced the injured Angel Di Maria after 25 minutes, fought off his marker and the cross was knocked into his own goal by Rolf Feltscher.
Mauro Icardi had a good shout for a penalty waved away after an hour but Argentina looked lacklustre throughout and were unable to stamp their authority on the match.
Neither they nor Venezuela created many clear-cut chances and the home side trooped off to the boos of their disgruntled fans.
Brazil top the 10-team group and are the only South America side to have so far qualified for Russia 2018.
Uruguay, who won 2-1 away at Paraguay, are in second-place with 27 points, followed by Colombia on 26.
Peru, who have not played in the World Cup Finals since 1982, beat Ecuador 2-1 earlier in the evening to move into fourth place with 24 points, ahead of Argentina on goal difference.
The fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental play-off against New Zealand.
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