World Cup Qualifiers 2018: Paraguay vs Argentina, Predictions, Preview, Stream, Lineups, Schedule
Argentina will look to get back on track when it visits Paraguay in its second World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the entire world watched as Argentina was embarrassed 2-0 at home against Ecuador. It was a historic moment: the first time that Argentina had ever lost an opening match of a World Cup qualifier in this current format. Moreover, the last time the Argentines lost their opener in a qualifier was back in 1969, when the team failed to qualify for the tournament the following year.
Argentina was playing without superstar Lionel Messi, but few expected the national side to struggle the way it did, especially on home soil. Yet, that is exactly what happened, as Ecuador pressed incessantly. Eventually, the game changed in the span of just two minutes, when Frickson Erazo and Felipe Caicedo both scored for the Ecuadorians.
Now Argentina has a taller order, against a team that is in far better form. Moreover, not only will the team lack Messi, it will also have to cope without top scorer Sergio Agüero, who was injured in the match against Ecuador.
For Paraguay, the game will be an opportunity to do two things. First, the team will be able to build off a big 1-0 win in Venezuela. Second, Paraguay can get some revenge for the 6-1 defeat against Argentina in the Copa America semifinals last summer.
Paraguay remains a wild card in this tournament, and some believe that the team will not qualify for the World Cup after all is said and done.
Prediction: This will be a huge test for the Argentines, as they will be faced with overcoming the loss of their two best players. It may also be a big moment for Carlos Tevez, who has waited for his chance to shine once more for the national side.
However, the game will likely result in a 1-1 draw.
Start Time: 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
The game can be streamed on beIN Sport Connect.
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