XtraTime Web Desk – In the South American Qualifier for World Cup 2022, Argentina faced an in-form Paraguay on Friday morning. It was a game of high intensity as both the teams started playing attacking football right from the start.
Paraguay drew the first blood as Nicholas Otamendi fouled Miguel Almirión in the penalty box and Ángel Romero made no mistake as he gave Paraguay the lead in the 21st minute of the match.
Exequiel Palacios was replaced by Giovani Lo Celso and created an instant impact. Nicólas González scored from a beautiful cross from Lo Celso in the 41st minute of the match.
The controversy began in the 60th minute of the match when Lionel Messi’s goal was denied by VAR after referee was convinced that a Paraguayan player was fouled during the build up of that attack. Lionel Messi got another chance of scoring from a free kick but it was deflected wide.
Thus, even after dominating the match with almost 70% possession and 16 shots on attempt, Argentina were held by Paraguay at 1-1.
With this draw, Argentina is at the top of points table with 7 points from 3 games while Brazil is having 6 points from 2 games. Followed by Ecuador at 3rd with 6 points from 3 games and Paraguay with 5 points from 3 games.