Soccer Football – World Cup – South American Qualifiers – Paraguay vs. Argentina – Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay – November 14, 2024. Paraguay’s Diego Gomez tangles with Argentina’s Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolas Tagliafico in an intense showdown. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo.
In a match filled with drama and skillful displays, Paraguay snatched a thrilling 2-1 victory against Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers. This exciting encounter was highlighted by Antonio Sanabria’s breathtaking bicycle kick and Omar Alderete’s crucial header in the second half.
Argentina took an early lead, just 11 minutes from the start. Enzo Fernandez’s precise pass met Lautaro Martinez, whose fierce shot initially waved offside was reinstated as a rightful goal after a meticulous VAR review.
Paraguay seemed unfazed and nearly equalized when Gustavo Gomez’s powerful header from a corner narrowly missed its mark, rattling the crossbar. However, they didn’t have to wait long. Gustavo Velazquez’s cross reached Sanabria, whose acrobatic kick was a moment of magic, leaving Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez without a chance.
The Argentine team seemed to lose its rhythm amidst the celebrations. Even their talismanic figure, Lionel Messi, found himself mostly sidestepped in the first half, managing just a single off-target shot. Meanwhile, Paraguay’s Alderete was lucky to remain on the pitch after avoiding a second booking despite repeated fouls on Messi.
Just two minutes after the restart, Alderete turned the tables. He converted a controversial free kick into a goal, following a foul committed by Argentina’s substitute Leonardo Balerdi on Julio Enciso, furthering Paraguay’s lead.
As desperation crept in, Rodrigo de Paul missed a glorious opportunity to equalize. A swift counterattack seemed promising, yet his shot flew tangent, only adding to Argentina’s woes, as Paraguay’s defense held firmly.
Lautaro Martinez candidly shared his frustration with TyC Sports, “Despite controlling the game, we conceded from two mistakes. Set pieces undone us, and that’s something we need to patch up.” Coach Lionel Scaloni echoed similar sentiments later, “The concession at the beginning of the second half deepened our challenges. We must commend Paraguay for their staunch defense.”
With the conclusion of the match, Argentina remained atop the standings with 22 points from 11 encounters, preparing to host a struggling Peruvian team next Tuesday.
Paraguay’s triumph lifted them to sixth place, tallying 16 points, trailing Ecuador on goal difference and surpassing Bolivia significantly, who were routed 4-0 by Ecuador the same evening. Meanwhile, Brazil’s 1-1 stalemate with Venezuela stationed them third with 17 points.
Remarkably, the top six squads will secure their spot automatically for the illustrious 2026 World Cup, which promises thrilling matchups in the hosts’ backyard: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Edited by Christopher Cushing and Christian Schmollinger.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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