Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute, heading home from a corner kick. Argentina dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match, but they were unable to extend their lead. Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half and hit the post twice, but it was to no avail.
Despite their struggles to convert their chances, Argentina held on for a narrow win. The victory sees them move to nine points from three matches, while Paraguay remains on three points.
Argentina
Argentina started the match strongly and took the lead in the fourth minute through Otamendi. The Albiceleste continued to dominate possession and create chances, but they were unable to add to their lead.
Messi came off the bench in the second half and hit the post twice, but Argentina were unable to find a second goal. Despite their struggles in front of goal, Argentina held on for a narrow win.
Paraguay’s road to the FIFA World Cup
Paraguay started the match slowly and conceded an early goal to Otamendi. The Paraguayans struggled to create chances throughout the match and were lucky not to lose by more.
Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a number of good saves to keep his team in the game. However, Paraguay were unable to find an equalizer and suffered a narrow defeat.
Analysis
Argentina were the better team throughout the match and deserved their victory. However, they will be disappointed with their performance in front of goal. The Albiceleste created numerous chances but were unable to convert them.
Paraguay were second best for most of the match, but they defended well and were unlucky not to get a draw. Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a number of good saves to keep his team in the game.
Conclusion
Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in FIFA World Cup qualifying on Thursday. Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute, heading home from a corner kick.
They dominated the match but struggled to convert their chances, with Lionel Messi hitting the post twice. However, Otamendi’s early goal was enough to secure all three points for Argentina, who maintained their perfect start to the qualifying campaign.
Key takeaways
- Argentina maintained their perfect start to FIFA World Cup qualifying with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
- Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute, heading home from a corner kick.
- Argentina dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match, but they were unable to extend their lead.
- Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half and hit the post twice, but they were unable to find a second goal.
- Despite their struggles to convert their chances, they held on for a narrow win.
Other notable talking points
- Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a number of good saves to keep his team in the game.
- Paraguay were lucky not to lose by more, but they will be disappointed with their performance in front of goal.
- Argentina’s players will be looking to improve their performance in front of the goal in their next match against Peru.
Argentina’s road to the FIFA World Cup
Argentina made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with three wins from three matches. They will be looking to continue their winning streak in their next match against Peru on October 17.
They are the favorites to win the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers and qualify for the tournament directly. However, they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to achieve their goal.