Paraguay stunned Argentina with a thrilling 2-1 victory on November 14. The match took place at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción. This win shakes up South America’s World Cup qualification race. It also shows that even champions can stumble.
First Half: Early Goals and High Tension
The game started with Argentina taking charge. Lautaro Martínez found the net in the 11th minute. A defensive mistake gave him the chance to score. Initially, the referee ruled it offside. However, VAR stepped in and confirmed the goal. Argentina seemed in control early.
Yet, Paraguay refused to give up. In the 27th minute, Antonio Sanabria delivered a moment of magic. He scored with a bicycle kick that left the crowd roaring. That goal changed everything. Paraguay grew in confidence. Meanwhile, the opposition looked unsettled.
Both teams fought hard for the lead. Argentina kept possession. Paraguay focused on quick counters. The half ended with the score tied 1-1.
Second Half: Alderete’s Decisive Header
The second half began with Argentina pushing forward. They dominated possession. However, Paraguay’s defense stayed strong.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute. Omar Alderete rose high during a corner kick. His powerful header hit the back of the net. Paraguay took the lead. The fans erupted in celebration.
Argentina tried to respond. Lionel Messi struggled to find space. Paraguay’s defense marked him tightly. His team fired several shots, but Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Carlos Coronel, stood firm.
As the clock ran down, Messi’s team grew desperate. Their attacks lacked precision. Paraguay held on and secured a famous victory.
Paraguay’s Strategy: Defense and Efficiency
Paraguay’s plan worked perfectly. They let Argentina keep the ball but blocked every dangerous move. Their defense stayed organized. Their counterattacks were quick and sharp.
Sanabria’s bicycle kick showed their creativity. Alderete’s header highlighted their precision. Paraguay didn’t waste chances.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s tactics fell short. They couldn’t break down Paraguay’s compact defense. Their finishing wasn’t clinical. Even with more possession, they struggled to create clear chances.
Key Stats
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
Goals: Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, 11’), Antonio Sanabria (Paraguay, 27’), Omar Alderete (Paraguay, 68’)
Possession: Argentina 63%, Paraguay 37%
Shots on Target: Argentina 6, Paraguay 3
Corners: Argentina 7, Paraguay 3
What’s Next for Paraguay and Argentina?
Paraguay’s victory boosts their chances of World Cup qualification. Coach Daniel Garnero praised his team’s determination. This win gives them momentum as they prepare to face Ecuador.
For Argentina, this loss is a wake-up call. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted the team needs to improve. They must address their issues before their next match against Peru.
Social Media Reacts
The match sparked a frenzy online. Fans praised Sanabria’s bicycle kick. Many called Alderete’s header a game-changer. Paraguayan supporters celebrated passionately. Meanwhile, Argentine fans voiced frustration.
Messi received mixed reactions. Some fans blamed his teammates for not supporting him. Others criticized his inability to break through Paraguay’s defense.
Lessons from the Match
This game proves that possession alone doesn’t win matches. Paraguay’s discipline and teamwork were key. Argentina’s over-reliance on Messi hurt them.
The upset also highlights the unpredictability of football. Even top teams can fall when they lose focus. Paraguay’s win reminds everyone why the World Cup qualifiers are so exciting.
Conclusion
Paraguay’s 2-1 win will be remembered for years. It was a masterclass in defense, precision, and determination. The other team, on the other hand, must learn from their mistakes.
Fans around the world are talking about this match. It’s a reminder of football’s magic. As the qualifiers continue, every game becomes more crucial. Both teams now face new challenges. The road to the World Cup is never easy.
