Messi’s absence hurts Argentina

MONTEVIDEO: Argentina crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay in South America’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday as the absence of Lionel Messi continued to

MONTEVIDEO: Argentina crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay in South America’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday as the absence of Lionel Messi continued to haunt the side.

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A superb counter-attacking goal from striker Derlis Gonzalez on 18 minutes was enough to give Paraguay all three points in their match with Argentina as the hosts once again struggled to plug the gap left by injured talisman Messi.

Argentina rallied furiously in the second half, with Angel Di Maria seeing a goal from a free-kick disallowed because of a foul while both Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero went close.

But with Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar in defiant form between the posts, the visitor held on for a battling victory which revives their hopes of snagging one of the qualification berths.

The win left Paraguay just one point behind Argentina in the standings after 10 games. Argentina occupy the fifth qualifying spot in the table with 16 points, with Paraguay just behind on 15 points.

BRAZIL CRUISE

Brazil went top of the group with a 2-0 win over Venezuela in a match played in torrential rain and halted for almost half an hour when the floodlights failed in Merida.

The five-times World Cup winners were without suspended Barcelona striker Neymar.

The result allowed Brazil to leapfrog Uruguay, who started the day top of the table but could only draw 2-2 away at Colombia, into first place in the South American group.

CHILE REVIVE CAMPAIGN

Chile meanwhile remain outside the qualification places despite their 2-1 victory over Peru in Santiago in the regional derby known as the “Clasico del Pacifico.”

Chile’s win leaves them seventh in the standings with 14 points, two points from the qualification places.

Uruguay were held to a 2-2 draw by fourth placed Colombia.