Paraguay Stuns Argentina with 2-1 Victory in World Cup Qualifier
A stunning overhead kick from Antonio Sanabria and a decisive second-half header by Omar Alderete propelled Paraguay to a remarkable 2-1 victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers on Thursday. The home crowd in Asunción witnessed a thrilling encounter as Paraguay overturned an early deficit to secure a memorable win against the reigning world champions.
Argentina seemed to be in control early on when, in the 11th minute, Enzo Fernandez delivered a deep pass to Lautaro Martinez. Martinez unleashed a thunderous shot that rattled the back of the net. Initially ruled offside, the goal was awarded after a VAR review, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Paraguay responded swiftly. Moments after conceding, Gustavo Gomez’s header from a corner struck the crossbar, signaling the host’s intention to fight back. Their persistence paid off when Gustavo Velazquez swung in a cross that found Sanabria inside the box. The forward executed a spectacular bicycle kick, leaving Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with no chance as the ball soared into the net to level the score.
The equalizer rattled the visitors. Argentina struggled to regain their rhythm, with captain Lionel Messi surprisingly quiet throughout much of the first half. Messi managed only one shot that veered wide, and despite being fouled twice by Alderete, referee Anderson Daroco refrained from issuing a second yellow card to the Paraguayan defender before halftime.
Paraguay capitalized on their momentum just two minutes into the second half. Following a foul by Argentina’s substitute Leonardo Balerdi on Julio Enciso, Paraguay earned a free kick. Alderete rose above the defense to head the set-piece into the goal, putting Paraguay ahead 2-1.
Argentina pressed forward in search of an equalizer. Rodrigo de Paul had the best opportunity with 20 minutes remaining, breaking away from the defense, but his miscontrol led to a shot that sailed wide. Despite their efforts, Argentina’s attacks lacked the precision needed, and Paraguay’s resolute defense held firm until the final whistle.
After the match, Argentina’s striker Lautaro Martinez reflected on the defeat, saying, “I think, overall, we played a great game. We controlled the ball. Their goals came from two of our mistakes. We need to fix our lapses on set pieces.” Coach Lionel Scaloni added, “The goal at the start of the second half made everything more difficult. We have to congratulate the opponent, who defended very well.”
The result shook up the CONMEBOL standings. World Cup holders Argentina remain at the top with 22 points from 11 games but face pressure ahead of their next match against ninth-placed Peru on Tuesday. Paraguay’s victory lifts them to sixth place with 16 points, level on goal difference with Ecuador, who defeated Bolivia 4-0, and Uruguay, who will host second-placed Colombia on Friday.
The South American qualifiers continue to deliver surprises, keeping fans and analysts alike on the edge. Paraguay’s victory not only reignites their hopes for World Cup qualification but also serves as a reminder that in football, anything is possible.
Reference(s):
Argentina suffer shock 2-1 defeat at Paraguay in World Cup qualifier
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