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Updated November 15, 2024

Paraguay Shocked Argentina in the Qualifier!

TL;DR

It is another defeat for the World Champion Argentina. For the last few years, Argentina have had a wonderful time under Lionel Scaloni. They have won the Qa...

Paraguay Shocked Argentina in the Qualifier!

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It is another defeat for the World Champion Argentina. For the last few years, Argentina have had a wonderful time under Lionel Scaloni. They have won the Qatar World Cup and back-to-back Copa America trophies. However, the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers have been a bit difficult for the Albiceleste, although they remain at the top of the table. Argentina have already suffered three defeats in their last 11 games in the qualifiers. Last night, Paraguay gave them the 3rd taste of defeats as they secured a 2-1 win over the World Cup winners. But Argentina remain at the top of the table despite being defeated last night. With 22 points in 11 matches, they are now the table topper with three points ahead of Colombia. Meanwhile, Paraguay have moved to the top 6 following their win over Argentina last night.

As It Happened

Paraguay welcomed Argentina last night at Defenseroes, where the manager set up the team formation with 4-4-2. Besides, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni played his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, leaving Lautaro Martinez in the Front supported by Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, and Mac Allister behind him. Argentina, as always, tried to take control of the midfield. They also took the early lead when Lautaro Martinez scored in the 11th minute with the help of Enzo Fernandez. The goal Was initially ruled out as Lautaro Martinez was seemed offside. But after the VAR check, the goal was awarded to Argentina. However, Paraguay remained very compact and reacted quickly. They found the equalizer within a moment when Antonio Sanabria scored a mindblowing goal in the 19th minute with a bicycle kick. Thus, the first half ended in a 1-1 draw. Coming from the break, the home team stunned the World Champions. Omar Alderete converted a free-kick into a goal in the 47th minute to make the scoreline 2-1 against Argentina. Following their second goal, Paraguay became very defensive and displayed a solid performance in this match. Despite trying very hard, Lionel Messi's Argentina could not break the defense of Paraguay. In the end, Argentine suffered their 3rd defeat in the qualifier and are now looking for the next game against Peru. "We tried our way. It wasn't possible. We have to congratulate our opponents. It's clear that they defended well and it was difficult for us," Argentine boss Scaloni appreciated Paraguay's defensive performance. Scaloni stated, "I'm not here to criticise my players. I'm here to support them. These games are good for the players. Especially for those who don't get many minutes. We knew it was going to be a difficult game. That's it."

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