Paraguay stun world cup champions Argentina in incredible upset

ASUNCION: Paraguay pulled off an incredible upset on Thursday in front of a home crowd, defeating Argentina, who are currently at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, two goals to one.

Paraguay put on the pressure early, getting a chance to take the lead in the eight-minute fo the match, as Diego Gomez received a cross a few steps into the box before blasting it towards the goal. The ball ricocheted off an argentine defender before being sent wide of the goal. Another chance would materialise a couple minutes later, as Paraguay’s Junior Alonso crossed the ball into the box right to Miguel Almiron who attempted a scissor kick which was blocked by the head of Nicolas Tagliafico.

Argentina would be the first to strike in the tenth minute of the match, after Enzo Fernandez sent a through ball to Lautaro Martinez, who put the ball in the bottom right corner of Paraguay’s net. The goal was initially called off side, but a VAR review showed that Martinez was in fact on side.

Ranieri comes out of retirement to take charge of struggling Roma

Paraguay would have two chances to respond nine minutes later. The first would be a blocked header attempt from Omar Alderete who received a cross from Diego Gomez. However, the second would be a stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria which hurtled pass the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner of Argentina’s net.

Paraguay would take the lead two minutes into the second half. Diego Gomez would send the ball into the box with a free kick, once again finding the head of Omar Alderete, but this time the Paraguay defender would find the back of the net.

Lionel Messi and Argentina would be unable to equalise for the rest of the game, resulting in an upset in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday. They remain at the top of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with 22 points. Paraguay are currently placed sixth in the table with 16 points.

Maxwell leads Australia to beat Pakistan in shortened first T20