Argentina’s national football team faced a shock 2-1 defeat against Paraguay in their World Cup qualifying match, a result that left many surprised, especially considering Argentina’s recent success. Despite the loss, coach Lionel Scaloni took a supportive stance toward his players, refraining from any harsh criticism. The match started with Argentina taking the lead in the 11th minute thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s powerful shot. Initially ruled out for offside, the goal was later confirmed after a VAR review, giving Argentina the early advantage.
However, Paraguay quickly equalized, with Antonio Sanabria scoring an impressive overhead kick in the 19th minute. Two minutes into the second half, Paraguay completed the turnaround with Omar Alderete heading in a precise free-kick from Diego Gomez, giving them a 2-1 lead that they would hold onto for the remainder of the match. Argentina pushed for a comeback, with Rodrigo De Paul having a close call with a missed opportunity, but they couldn’t find the back of the net again.
This loss marked Argentina’s third defeat in World Cup qualifying, but Scaloni emphasized that he was not there to criticize his players. Instead, he focused on supporting them and acknowledged the difficulty of the match. "I'm not here to criticise my players; I'm here to support them," Scaloni remarked, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with a positive mindset and learning from the defeat.
Paraguay, despite only having 23.2% possession throughout the game, was efficient in taking their chances. They converted both shots on target out of eight attempts, compared to Argentina’s nine, showing clinical finishing. The victory also extended Paraguay’s unbeaten streak to six matches, a run that includes a notable win over Brazil.
Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay’s coach since the Copa America, continued his undefeated streak with this victory. He praised his players for their resilience, especially in difficult moments, and expressed his belief in their ability to achieve success. "With the rebelliousness of these players in the face of adversity, I have no doubt that we will get there," Alfaro said. This victory was a significant achievement for Paraguay, showcasing their ability to compete with top teams despite having less possession.
