Argentina loses in Paraguay in a match filled with controversy

The dramatic 2-1 victory for Paraguay over Argentina has left fans and pundits debating what might have been if Omar Alderete had received a second yellow card in the first half.

In a match filled with controversy and tension, Alderete’s goal secured an unexpected win for the home side, but the focus remains on the decision by referee Anderson Daronco to keep the Getafe defender on the field despite a second reckless challenge on Lionel Messi. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it changed the course of the game.

The encounter took place at the iconic Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, a venue known for its intense atmosphere and passionate crowd. From the first whistle, both teams displayed high energy, with Argentina dominating possession early on. The reigning world champions seemed determined to continue their strong qualification campaign, and their intentions were clear when they struck first. In the 11th minute, Lautaro Martínez, who has been in prolific form for Inter Milan, found the back of the net after a precise through ball from Enzo Fernández. The former Benfica star showcased his vision and creativity, splitting the Paraguayan defense to set up Martínez for a clinical finish.

However, Paraguay was quick to respond, showing resilience and grit. In the 19th minute, Gustavo Velázquez whipped in a well-placed cross from the right flank. Antonio Sanabria met the ball acrobatically, executing a stunning bicycle kick that left the Argentine goalkeeper with no chance. The equalizer sent the home fans into a frenzy, and it became clear that this match was far from a straightforward contest for Argentina. Sanabria’s goal, a contender for the best of the qualifiers so far, demonstrated the quality and determination of a Paraguayan side that refuses to be underestimated.

As the first half progressed, the match took a controversial turn. Omar Alderete, who was already on a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Messi, made another reckless tackle on the Argentine captain during a swift counter-attack. The Brazilian referee, Anderson Daronco, opted to keep his cards in his pocket, much to the dismay of the Argentine players and coaching staff. The decision not to send off Alderete was pivotal, as it allowed the defender to stay on the pitch and ultimately score the decisive goal early in the second half.

Just two minutes after the break, in the 47th minute, Paraguay earned a free kick on the left side of the field. Diego Gómez delivered a precise set piece, finding Alderete in the box. The Getafe defender rose above the Argentine defenders, heading the ball powerfully into the net to give Paraguay the lead. The goal was a turning point, and the controversy surrounding Alderete’s presence on the field only fueled the intensity of the match.

Argentina, now trailing 2-1, shifted gears and took control of the game. Nicolás Otamendi, who played the entire match, anchored the defense while also pushing forward to support the attack. Despite dominating possession and creating several half-chances, Argentina struggled to break down Paraguay’s organized defense. The visitors had two clear opportunities to level the score: Rodrigo De Paul unleashed a powerful shot in the 69th minute that was well saved by the Paraguayan goalkeeper, and substitute Taty Castellanos had a golden chance deep into stoppage time, but his effort was narrowly off target.

The defeat marked only the fourth loss for Argentina in their last 68 matches, a remarkable record that underscores their recent dominance in international football. Despite the setback, the world champions remain atop the South American qualification standings with 22 points. However, the lead is precarious, as Colombia, sitting in second place with 19 points, has the opportunity to close the gap with an away match against Uruguay, who are fourth with 16 points.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s campaign hit a stumbling block as well. In third place with 17 points, Brazil has been a perennial powerhouse in World Cup qualifiers, but they were held to a surprising 1-1 draw against Venezuela. The match was marked by a critical missed penalty by Vinícius Júnior, who also failed to score from the rebound. The Real Madrid star’s missed opportunity in the 62nd minute proved costly, as it denied Brazil a chance to secure all three points.

Brazil had initially taken the lead just before halftime, with Raphinha scoring a spectacular free kick in the 43rd minute. The Barcelona winger, who has been in excellent form, curled the ball into the net with precision, showcasing his dead-ball prowess. However, Venezuela equalized almost immediately after the break, with Telasco Segovia scoring a well-placed header in the 46th minute. The draw allowed Venezuela to climb to seventh place, occupying the play-off spot with 12 points.

In other action, Ecuador made a statement with a dominant 4-0 victory over Bolivia. The match, played in Quito, was influenced early on by the sending off of Bolivia’s José Segredo in the 24th minute. His foul resulted in a penalty, which Enner Valencia converted with ease. Former Sporting Lisbon winger Gonzalo Plata then added a brace, scoring in the 28th and 49th minutes. Alan Minda completed the rout in the 61st minute. Despite the impressive win, Ecuador’s campaign has been hampered by a three-point deduction due to an administrative ruling, leaving them in fifth place with 16 points.

The loss was a severe blow for Bolivia, dropping them to eighth place, outside of the qualification zone. They are now tied with Peru, who sit in ninth with six points, and Chile, in last place with five points. Both teams face each other today in Lima, in a crucial fixture that could determine the trajectory of their qualification campaigns.

As the qualifiers progress, the competition intensifies, with every point becoming crucial. Argentina’s surprising defeat and the controversies surrounding the match have added more drama to the South American qualifiers, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable finish. The upcoming fixtures promise to be decisive, with top teams like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia facing tough opponents. With everything still to play for, the road to the 2026 World Cup remains open and fiercely contested.