World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina held to a draw by Paraguay


World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina held to a draw by Paraguay
Argentina vs Paraguay

Argentina fell to a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in the World Cup Qualifiers. The draw temporarily took to the Argentina to the top of the Qualifying table. However, Argentina lost two points as Brazil look to win against Venezula and extend their lead at the top of the table. Paraguay got the first goal of the match from a penalty by Romero. However, Argentina got back in the match through Gonzalez’s header but couldn’t find the winning goal.

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First Half

Romero

Paraguay started the first half stronger and kept testing the defense of Argentina. The breakthrough for Paraguay came in the 21st minute after Almiron was fouled in the box by Lucas Martinez. Romero stepped up and slotted the penalty calmly past Armani. The goal was the result of Paraguay targeting the weakness of Argentina’s defense which is pace. However, Paraguay backed off following the goal and let Argentina dictate the ball. Moreover, Argentina brought on Lo Celso for Palacios due to injury. Lo Celso’s arrival sparked Argentina and they started moving ball more quicker and accurately. This led to Gonzalez getting the equalizer for Argentina from a Lo Celso corner.

Second Half

https://twitter.com/BarcaWorldEn/status/1327059356463017984?s=20

Argentina were determined to win the match in the second half. They created ample opportunities as Lautaro missed a good chance. However, the controversy of the match happened when Messi scored the goal but VAR ruled it out. The reason for ruling it out was because of a foul by Gonzalez on Romero but the foul happened 30 seconds before the goal. Moreover, Argentina had moved the ball around the defense before bringing it ahead. Hence, Argentina players were left to rue another mistake by VAR and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

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