Argentina, despite the opening score by Lautaro Martinez, lost (2-1) in Paraguay this Thursday, November 14 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup (Amsud zone), a setback which does not prevent the champions of world to stay at the top of the ranking.
Despite its defeat, Argentina keeps the lead
After 11 days, captain Lionel Messi and his teammates have 22 points and remain three points ahead of Colombia, who have a game in hand, and five ahead of Brazil, held to a draw in Venezuela (1-1).
In Asunción, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 11the minute on a sequence of right control – left cross recovery. If it was first signaled in an offside position, the goal was validated by the VAR.
But the Paraguayans, who are in the fight to secure one of the six qualifying places, quickly equalized, in superb fashion, on a “bicycle” from Torino player Tony Sanabria (1-1, 19').
The winning goal for Paraguay was scored after the break by Getafe defender Omar Alderete, with a header beyond the reach of Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, following a free kick conceded by the Argentine player from Marseille, Leonardo Balerdi (2-1, 47e).
“We had possession and chances. They defended well, they have the players for that”commented Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
Scorer Lautaro Martinez criticized the refereeing of Brazilian Anderson Daronco, believing that the second Paraguayan scorer should have been sent off in the first period for his harsh play on Léo Messi.
“The one who should no longer have been on the field finds himself scoring the decisive goal”he denounced.
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Argentina will have the opportunity to redeem themselves next Tuesday when they host Peru, while Paraguay, currently 6e (16 points), will travel to Bolivia, 8e (12 points).
