SAN FRANCISCO, November 13, (THEWILL) –Â Argentina kept their unbeaten streak in the World Cup qualifying series going with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay at La Bombonera on Thursday. Lionel Scaloni’s team were forced to settle for a point even though after three qualifiers they are top of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) qualification standings.
Paraguay started the game brightly and were amply rewarded when they took a deserved 21st-minute lead through an Angel Romero penalty.
Miguel Almiron’s strong run at the opposition’s area caused all sorts of problems for the Argentina defence. The attacker was brought down by Fiorentina’s centre back Lucas Martinez. Romero stepped up to place the penalty awarded into the bottom corner.
After going behind, Argentina began to enjoy more possession but struggled to create much of note going forward. Then, VfB Stuttgart left winger Nicolas Gonzalez equalised before the half-time break, chalking up his first international goal.
Gonzalez met a good corner from Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who was in for Exequiel Palacios who sustained an injury in the first half, to place a header in at the near post and level it 1-1.
The equaliser gave Argentina a boost and Rodrigo De Paul’s long-range drive forced a save from Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva on the stroke of half-time.
Lautaro Martinez and Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez squandered good chances shortly after half-time before Argentina thought they had the lead.
A Lo Celso cutback for Barcelona’s talisman Lionel Messi allowed the football ace beat Silva despite a strong hand from the Paraguay goalkeeper. But, the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up after a VAR check.
The Barca man was on it again in the 72nd minute but, this time, Silva tipped his free-kick onto the crossbar as Argentina continued to push. But, until the final whistle, they were unable to find a winner.
Aside still being unbeaten in three World Cup 2022 qualifiers, Argentina also stretched their overall run to 10. They were denied a third straight win to begin a qualifying campaign, something they have managed just three times before.
Palacios’ early injury was unfortunate for Argentina, but Lo Celso’s introduction just before the half-hour mark boosted Scaloni’s side. The Tottenham attacker assisted Gonzalez’s equaliser and set up Messi’s disallowed goal, and remained a constant threat throughout.
From their 6-1 loss to Argentina at the Copa America in 2015, Paraguay have gone four games unbeaten in meetings between the countries. In World Cup qualifying, Paraguay have won three and lost just two of their past eight clashes with Argentina.
Argentina make the trip to Lima to face Peru on Tuesday, while Paraguay host Bolivia on the same day as the qualifiers continue.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
