Argentina were handed a rare loss in competitive football as Paraguay got the better of them at home by a scoreline of 2-1.
Lionel Messi and co. did take the lead thanks to Lautaro Martinez but a ridiculous bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria made scores level in the first half. Shortly after the break, Omar Alderete headed in what proved to be the winner.
Argentina were really poor in this game and failed to create anything really. Paraguay were exceptionally solid and made things really difficult for the defending World Cup and Copa America winners.
Argentina are still top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings but this was their 3rd loss. Paraguay are 6th on the table.
Paraguay player ratings vs Argentina
Goalkeeper
R. Fernandez — 6/10. Did not make any saves on the night. However Argentina did not do much to bother him. Could have done better for the goal however.
Defenders
G. Velasquez — 7/10. Quite solid from the Paraguay RB. Also picked up the assist for Sanabria’s goal. Very dominant on the wing.
G. Gomez — 6/10. Had the least touches for anyone of the game. Very aerially dominant against the opposition attackers. Also hit the woodwork.
O. Alderete — 8/10. Not only did he score Paraguay’s winner, he also managed to get 3 shots away in total. The Getafe defender was also very solid defensively.
J. Alonso – 6/10. Kept going up and down the wing all game. Covered ground well, and kept his wing under check.
Midfielders
D. Gomez – 8/10. The Inter Miami winger was class in this game. He assisted Alderete’s winner and created several other chances.
A. Cubas – 6/10. Completed as many as 4 interceptions in the game. Did not do much on the ball however.
D. Bobadilla — 5/10. Didn’t have the best outing tonight. Covered a lot of ground and was questionable in both attack and defence.
M. Almiron — 7/10. A good outing for the winger who has been out of form for Newcastle. Created chances and took shots while making 8 recoveries.
Forwards
J. Enciso — 5/10. The Brighton forward had a very silent game in this encounter. Didn’t take any shots or create any chances.
A. Sanabria – 8/10. Lost the most duels in the game and got dominated fot most of the time. However, he scored a ridiculous bicycle kick to equalise in this game.
Substitutions:
A. Romero – 5/10. Came on and kept running around.
I. Pitta – 5/10. Came on and picked up a yellow card.
M. Villasanti – N.A.
R. Sosa – N.A
Kaku – N.A
Manager
G. Alfaro – 8/10. Managed the rare feat of beating Argentina under Scaloni. Very solid defensively and stifled Argentina completely.
Argentina Player Ratings vs Paraguay
Goalkeeper
E. Martinez – 5/10. One of his worse games in an Argentina shirt. Made no saves but really couldn’t have done much more for the goals.
Defenders
N. Tagliafico – 7/10. One of Argentina’s best players in this loss. Very solid defensively and made the most tackles in the game.
N. Otamendi – 6/10. Had a lion’s share of the possession but failed to use it much. Usually very dominant defensively.
C. Romero – 6/10. The Spurs defender was taken off at half time in this game. Picked up an injury reportedly.
N. Molina – 5/10. A poor outing for the Atletico defender. He did not do anything of note in the game.
Midfielders
E. Fernandez – 7/10. One of his better performances of late after a poor recent spell. Got the assist for Argentina’s goal.
R. De Paul – 6/10. A solid game but didn’t do much creatively. Completed the most passes and was good in duels.
A. MacAllister – 5/10. An unusually poor game for the Liverpool man. Barely got on the ball and was too easily byepassed.
Forwards
Lionel Messi – 6/10. Created a couple of chances and took 3 shots but did not really doid not do too much. Unusually ineffective however from the great.
Lautaro Martinez – 8/10. Got the only goal that Argentina scored. That however was the only shot he took.
J. Alvarez – 7/10. Completed the most dribbles out of everyone in the game. Could not test the goalkeeper however.
Substitutions:
L. Balerdi – 4/10. Came on in the second half and made an unnecessary foul leading to the winner.
A. Garnacho – 5/10. Played about half an hour but couldn’t trouble Paraguay at all.
L. Paredes – N. A
G. Montiel – N.A.
T. Castellanos – N.A.
Manager
L. Scaloni – 6/10. Outdone tactically today. A rare loss for him and his side barely created anything.
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FAQs
What was the result of Paraguay vs Argentina?
Paraguay won 2-1 in Paraguay vs Argentina.
When was Paraguay vs Argentina?
Paraguay vs Argentina was played on Friday, 15th November 2024.
Who was the man of the match in Paraguay vs Argentina?
Omar Alderete was the man of the match in Paraguay vs Argentina.
Who was the worst performer in Paraguay vs Argentina?
Leonardo Balerdi was the worst performer in Paraguay vs Argentina.