Argentina vs. Paraguay: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying

An 18th-minute goal from Derlis Gonzalez was all that Paraguay needed to upset Argentina 1-0 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying for the 2018 World Cup from Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Argentina. 

As one of the biggest soccer powers in South America, Argentina hasn’t had the best start in the South American qualifying. Through nine rounds, it sat in fifth place entering Tuesday night, which was good for the final playoff berth. 

But at just two points behind second-place Brazil and three adrift of first-place Uruguay, a maximum three points would have ensured that Argentina at least kept pace with the leaders. 

It wouldn’t be easy without talisman Lionel Messi, who still was nursing an injury suffered while playing for Barcelona in La Liga play against Atletico Madrid in September.

Paraguay, on the other hand, entered Tuesday night on the cusp of falling out of contention. After two straight losses to Uruguay and Colombia, Paraguay’s 12 points had it in sixth place and four points behind Argentina. 

It had a golden opportunity to gain the lead in the sixth minute when a ball played into the box by Oscar Romero fell to the head of an unmarked Gustavo Gomez. But his diving header inexplicably sailed wide, via beIn Sports USA:

Oh my!!!! How does @Albirroja not bury the opening goal. #beINCONMEBOL …

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