A spectacular bicycle kick from Antonio Sanabria and a decisive second-half header by Omar Alderete secured Paraguay a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
Argentina struck first, with Lautaro Martinez finding the net 11 minutes in. However, Paraguay responded emphatically as Gustavo Velazquez’s cross set up Sanabria for a jaw-dropping overhead kick that left goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with no chance.
The World Cup champions struggled to regain momentum, and just two minutes into the second half, Paraguay capitalized again. Omar Alderete rose to meet a free kick, heading home the eventual game-winner after Julio Enciso earned the foul from substitute Leonardo Balerdi.
Despite the loss, Argentina remains atop the standings with 22 points from 11 matches. Paraguay’s victory lifts them to sixth place, level with Uruguay on 16 points. With the top six teams guaranteed a spot in the 2026 finals, Paraguay bolstered their qualification hopes with the crucial win.
The result sends a clear message to the region: Paraguay is ready to challenge the heavyweights, while Argentina will look to regroup in their pursuit of securing first place in the standings.
