South America’s Powerhouses Stumble as World Champions and Brazil Both Drop Points
World champions Argentina suffered a setback in their World Cup qualifying campaign Thursday, losing 2-1 to Paraguay, while their South American rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela. Both teams faced intense competition, revealing the region’s increasingly fierce path to the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina took an early lead in Asuncion after Lautaro Martinez, assisted by an elegant pass from Enzo Fernandez, found the back of the net. His low strike was initially ruled offside but was allowed after a VAR review, giving Argentina an 11th-minute lead. However, Paraguay quickly responded, equalizing eight minutes later with a stunning bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria.
The second half saw Paraguay secure the victory when Omar Alderete rose at the back post to head in a cross from Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez.
Argentina struggled to find an answer, with Lionel Messi unable to create clear chances, though he set up a header for Valentin Castellanos that went over the bar.
Despite the loss, Argentina remains at the top of the standings with 22 points, while Paraguay moved up to sixth.
In Caracas, Brazil faced Venezuela and had to settle for a draw after Telasco Segovia’s second-half goal canceled out Raphinha’s free-kick opener. Brazil looked in form, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior creating several opportunities and even hitting the post. However, his penalty attempt in the 62nd minute was saved by Venezuelan keeper Rafael Romo, costing Brazil the lead. With the result, Brazil holds third place on 17 points, while Venezuela sits in seventh, in contention for an inter-confederation playoff.
Elsewhere, Ecuador secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Bolivia with goals from veteran Enner Valencia, Gonzalo Plata, and Alan Minda, placing them in fifth. Upcoming qualifiers include Uruguay versus Colombia and Peru hosting Chile as the South American qualifiers heat up.
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