
Date: November 15, 2024
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
Match: Argentina vs Paraguay
Head-to-Head:
The rivalry between Argentina and Paraguay is a long-standing one in South American football, with both nations boasting strong footballing histories. Here’s a look at the recent head-to-head between the two teams:
- Total Matches Played: 94
- Argentina Wins: 53
- Paraguay Wins: 15
- Draws: 26
While Argentina has historically dominated the fixture, Paraguay has often been a tough competitor, especially in qualifiers and Copa América matches.
Recent Encounters:
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers:
- Paraguay 0-0 Argentina (October 2021): A goalless draw in Asunción, with Argentina extending their unbeaten run.
- Argentina 1-0 Paraguay (November 2020): A narrow win for Argentina, with Messi playing a pivotal role in the win.
- Copa América 2021:
- Argentina 1-0 Paraguay (Group Stage): Argentina won thanks to a goal from Alexis Mac Allister, while Paraguay struggled to break down the Argentine defense.
- Recent Trends: Argentina has won most of the recent encounters, with the exception of a few draws and a narrow Paraguay victory in 2013 (2-0).
Key Players to Watch:
- Argentina:
- Lionel Messi (Forward) – Always the key player for Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champion will be the focal point of their attack.
- Lautaro Martínez (Forward) – Martínez is a crucial player in Argentina’s attack, combining well with Messi and capable of scoring at any moment.
- Emiliano Martínez (Goalkeeper) – The Aston Villa goalkeeper has become a leader in the Argentine defense, with his shot-stopping abilities and leadership.
- Paraguay:
- Miguel Almirón (Forward) – The Newcastle United star is Paraguay’s most dynamic player, with his pace and creativity key in the counter-attacks.
- Antonio Sanabria (Forward) – A clinical striker, Sanabria will be a threat inside the box, especially in set-piece situations.
- Roberto Fernández (Goalkeeper) – The Paraguayan goalkeeper is essential to his team’s defense and will play a crucial role in stopping Argentina’s attack.
Where to Watch the Match Live:
In Argentina:
- TyC Sports and TV Pública will broadcast the match live in Argentina.
- Streaming is available via TyC Sports Play, the network’s online platform.
In Paraguay:
- Tigo Sports will show the match live for Paraguayan viewers.
- The match will also be available on GEN (Grupo Nación), which provides coverage in Paraguay.
Internationally:
- ESPN will be broadcasting the match across Latin America and the United States.
- FuboTV (USA) and DAZN (in some European regions) are also streaming the match live.
Online Streaming:
- In regions where traditional broadcasters are unavailable, online streaming platforms like FuboTV, ESPN, and DAZN are great options to catch the match.
Where is the Game Played?
The match will take place at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay. This stadium is known for its passionate home crowd and has often been the site of historic moments for Paraguay.
What’s at Stake?
This match is pivotal for both teams as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, is aiming to continue their strong start to the qualifiers and maintain their position at the top of the CONMEBOL standings.
- Paraguay, on the other hand, is looking for a crucial win to stay in contention for a spot in the World Cup after missing out in 2018.
Prediction:
Given Argentina’s stronger squad on paper, they will be favorites for the match. However, Paraguay has a history of being tough at home, and the match could be a hard-fought battle. Expect a close contest, but Argentina is likely to edge out with a narrow win.
Prediction: Paraguay 1-2 Argentina