)
Lionel Messi could not inspire Argentina to a victory over Paraguay as the South American scripted a come-from-behind 2-1 win in the South American FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday (Friday in India) at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción. Lautaro Martinez gave visitors Argentina the lead with a goal in the 11th minute but Paraguay equalised soon as Antonio Sanabria scored from a stunning bicycle kick who capitalised on a cross from Gustavo Velazquez to beat goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The equalizer shocked Argentina who struggled for rhythm in the first half and conceded the winning goal two minutes after the break as Paraguay defender Omar Alderete headed in from a free kick to make it 2-1. The freekick was given to Paraguay after a foul by Leonardo Balerdi on Julio Enciso.
CHILENA PERFECTA 🤯
Golazo de Antonio Sanabria, para el recuerdo 🇵🇾⚽️#EliminatoriasSudamericanas pic.twitter.com/MvvF4Jujm1
Argentina, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, continue to be on the top of the South American Qualifiers standings with 22 points from 11 matches while Paraguay continue to be at the sixth spot with 16 points from the same number of games. They are now tied on points with teams like Uruguay (4th) and Ecuador (5th). The top six teams from South American Qualifiers will directly qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s Argentina will now take on Peru on Tuesday in the final qualifiers of the November FIFA window, while Paraguay will face Bolivia.
is on YouTube
Copyright @ 2024. Firstpost – All Rights Reserved
