Sports
Aguero misses penalty as Paraguay shock Argentina at home
Paraguay had never before won a World Cup qualifier in Argentina, but a missed penalty from Sergio Aguero gave them three points in Cordoba.
Sergio Aguero failed to convert a penalty as Argentina suffered their first home defeat in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, losing 1-0 in Cordoba.
Having declared himself fit despite sustaining a calf injury during training, Aguero failed to make his presence count when he had his spot-kick saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar – who was making his first start since this year’s Copa America.
It proved a pivotal moment, with Argentina already trailing to Derlis Gonzalez’s counter-attacking opener in the first half, the winger exploiting a lack of pace in an opposition defence to which Edgardo Bauza had made three changes following the 2-2 draw against Peru last time out.
Paraguay sat on that goal, inviting pressure from the hosts, who struck the post through Angel Di Maria in the first half and had a Marcos Rojo goal controversially ruled out for offside due to Gabriel Mercado’s positioning after Aguero spurned another second-period opportunity.
Argentina, without star and captain Lionel Messi due to a groin injury, were unable to break down Francisco Arce’s side and subsequently drop out of the automatic qualification spots in the CONMEBOL section following a third match without a win.
Paraguay, meanwhile, move to within one point of Bauza’s fifth-placed team, giving their hopes of securing a place in Russia a huge boost.
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