Sanabria’s Bicycle Kick Stuns Argentina as Paraguay Triumphs in World Cup Qualifiers
Paraguay’s victory was sealed with a touch of brilliance, as Antonio Sanabria’s stunning bicycle kick and Omar Alderete’s commanding header secured a thrilling 2-1 win over World Cup holders Argentina in Thursday’s South American qualifiers.
Early Lead for Argentina
Argentina started strong, with Lautaro Martinez converting a pinpoint pass from Enzo Fernandez in the 11th minute. Initially ruled offside, the goal was awarded after a VAR review. However, Paraguay quickly responded, nearly equalizing when Gustavo Gomez’s header from a corner rattled the crossbar.
Sanabria’s Stunning Equalizer
Minutes later, Gustavo Velazquez delivered a perfect cross to Sanabria, who unleashed an acrobatic overhead kick that left Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez helpless. The brilliant goal electrified the home crowd and leveled the score.
Argentina’s Struggles
Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina struggled to regain control. Messi, unusually subdued, managed just one shot off-target in the first half and endured two fouls by Alderete, yet the referee refrained from showing the Paraguayan defender a second yellow card before halftime.
Alderete Seals the Win
Paraguay took the lead two minutes into the second half when Alderete capitalized on a free kick, heading the ball past Emiliano Martinez after a foul by Argentina’s Leonardo Balerdi. Paraguay’s defense then stood firm, stifling Argentina’s efforts to equalize.
Missed Chances for Argentina
Rodrigo de Paul had Argentina’s best opportunity to level the score, but his miscontrol during a breakaway led to a missed shot. The visitors’ mounting errors and Paraguay’s resilient defense ensured the hosts held on for a crucial win.
Post-Match Reactions
“We played a great game but gave away two goals due to our mistakes,” Martinez admitted to TyC Sports. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Paraguay’s defensive strength while highlighting the need for his team to address lapses in set-piece defense.
Standings and What’s Next
Despite the defeat, Argentina remains atop the standings with 22 points from 11 matches and will host ninth-placed Peru on Tuesday. Paraguay, now sixth with 16 points, is tied on goal difference with Ecuador, who thrashed Bolivia 4-0. Uruguay, also on 16 points, will host Colombia on Friday. Meanwhile, Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Venezuela left them third in the standings with 17 points. The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.