
Miguel Almirón, the dynamic attacking midfielder for Newcastle United, was in action for Paraguay in their Copa América match against Argentina. The game was a highly anticipated clash in the 2021 Copa América, as both teams were battling for crucial points in the group stage. Almirón, known for his pace and creativity, was one of the standout performers for Paraguay, trying to create opportunities and break down the formidable Argentina defense, led by the legendary Lionel Messi.
Match Overview:
- Date: June 21, 2021
- Competition: Copa América 2021, Group A
- Venue: Mané Garrincha Stadium, Brasília, Brazil
- Final Score: Argentina 1-0 Paraguay
In what was a tense and tactical encounter, Argentina managed to secure a 1-0 win over Paraguay, with Alejandro “Papu” Gómez scoring the decisive goal in the ’10 minute. However, Paraguay showed their resilience and was competitive throughout the match, with Almirón central to much of their offensive play.
Miguel Almirón’s Performance:
- Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
- Team: Paraguay
Almirón, who has been one of Newcastle United’s standout players in the Premier League, brought his trademark energy and flair to the Copa América. Although Paraguay fell short in securing a point against Argentina, Almirón’s performance was a bright spot for the team:
- Creative Playmaking: Almirón was often seen making runs from the midfield, looking to link up with Antonio Sanabria and other attacking players. His dribbling skills and ability to pick out key passes made him a constant threat to Argentina’s defense.
- Chances Created: Throughout the game, Almirón managed to create a few opportunities for Paraguay, including a powerful shot from distance that tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. His vision and quick feet were key in trying to break down the Argentina defense, which was solid despite Paraguay‘s pressure.
- Work Rate: As usual, Almirón‘s work rate was high. He tracked back defensively when required, showcasing his commitment to both ends of the pitch. His tireless running was vital in trying to disrupt Argentina’s attacking flow.
The Impact on Paraguay and Almirón’s International Role:
- Paraguay’s Performance: Despite the 1-0 loss, Paraguay showed resilience, especially in the second half, when they created several decent chances. However, they were unable to convert any of their opportunities into goals. Almirón‘s ability to make things happen in attack was crucial, but Argentina’s defensive unit, led by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, held firm.
- Almirón’s Importance to Paraguay: The defeat to Argentina served as a reminder of Almirón‘s importance to Paraguay. As one of the country’s key players, Almirón has the ability to make a significant impact at both the club and international level. His performance at the Copa América is key for Paraguay‘s future success, especially in their pursuit of qualification for the 2022 World Cup and beyond.
- Next Steps: After the Copa América, Almirón will return to Newcastle United, where he has continued to impress in the Premier League. His performances in South America will only boost his reputation and could have positive implications for Newcastle, especially with their ambition to climb higher in the league.
Key Takeaways:
- Miguel Almirón continues to shine for Paraguay, even in difficult matches like the one against Argentina. His energy, technical ability, and creativity are invaluable to his national team.
- Paraguay put up a strong fight but couldn’t break down Argentina’s defense. They will look to improve in future games in the tournament and World Cup qualifiers.
- For Newcastle United fans, seeing Almirón at his best for Paraguay provides a glimpse of his potential impact back in the Premier League.