ছবি: Collected photo
Argentina, the world champion and FIFA’s No. 1 ranked team, faced a surprising 2-1 defeat against Paraguay, ranked 55th, despite fielding a strong lineup. The Argentine squad included Emiliano Martinez, who returned as goalkeeper after suspension, along with the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. Despite a promising start, Argentina was unable to maintain their lead and suffered their third loss in the tournament.
Argentina scored early, with Lautaro Martinez finding the net in the 11th minute after receiving a through pass from Enzo Fernandez. Although initially flagged offside, VAR confirmed the goal. However, Argentina’s lead was short-lived; Paraguay equalized just eight minutes later with a stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria off a cross from Gustavo Velazquez, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez unable to save.
Argentina had another chance to pull ahead in the 25th minute, but Messi’s shot went wide off a cross from Molina, ending the first half at 1-1.
Just two minutes into the second half, Paraguay took the lead as Omar Alderete scored with a diving header from a Gustavo Gomez free-kick, putting the hosts up 2-1. Argentina then struggled to regain possession and control of the game, with Paraguay intensifying their pressure.
In the 79th minute, Messi created a close opportunity with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the post. Despite their efforts, Argentina couldn’t score again. Although they remain at the top of the points table with 22 points from 11 matches, Colombia, with 19 points from 10 games, has a chance to match them in points.
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