World Cup qualifiers: Argentina suffer shock defeat to Paraguay, Brazil draw

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinicius Jºnior endured frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday as both teams faced setbacks in crucial games. Argentina fell 2-1 to Paraguay in Asunci³n, with Messi unable to prevent his side from suffering their first defeat of the campaign. Despite Lautaro Martnez’s early goal in the 11th minute, awarded after a video review, Paraguay quickly equalized through a spectacular bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria in the 19th minute. The hosts maintained their pressure and just after the break, Omar Alderete’s 47th-minute header sealed victory for Paraguay. Messi, who had limited involvement throughout the game, expressed his frustration at Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco’s decision not to send Alderete off for more aggressive tackles.

“We came to a tough place where the national team always struggled,” Martnez said. “We have to fix a lot of things we did wrong, but overall we are playing well. We are still in the lead and we have to look forward.”

Despite the loss, Argentina remain top of the South American qualifying table with 22 points from 11 games. Paraguay’s win boosted their World Cup hopes and moved them closer to the top five. Brazil’s Vinicius Jºnior also endured a night of frustration as his side were held to a 1-1 draw in Venezuela. Vinicius, who is yet to score in World Cup qualifying, had the chance to give Brazil the lead in the 67th minute after being awarded a penalty, but his low shot was saved by Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo. Moments later, Vinicius missed another chance after the rebound fell to him and shot wide.

Brazil controlled most of the first half, with Raphinha’s stunning free-kick in the 43rd minute giving the visitors the lead. However, Venezuela responded in the second half, with Telasco Segovia equalizing minutes after the restart in the 46th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box.

Venezuela’s hopes of a comeback were somewhat dampened in the 89th minute when Alexander Gonzalez was sent off for punching both Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius in the face. Despite the red card, Brazil could not find a winner and Raphinha expressed his disappointment after the match.

“When we don’t win, I leave the pitch a bit disappointed,” Raphinha said. “We deserved to win this one. But it’s an important point to play away from home. We’re working hard to win the next one at home.”

Brazil is in third place with 17 points, five points behind Argentina.