Argentina manager backs his players despite 2-1 loss to Paraguay

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has backed his players despite losing 1-2 to Paraguay on November 14 (Thursday) in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. The reigning World Champions botched up the early lead in this clash. Lautaro Martinez had given them a 1-0 lead before the home side hit back to reign supreme.

The match was played at Estadio Defensores del Chaco and the crowd witnessed a stunning comeback from the hosts thanks to goals from Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete. On the other hand, Argentina struggled to get a hold on the proceedings even with Lionel Messi in the mix.

Paraguay kept a close eye on the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, not letting him play his best game on the day. After the match, Scaloni doffed his hat to Paraguay for playing well but refused to come hard on his players. He admitted that Argentina weren’t at their best in the second half while stating they are already looking forward to their next clash.

“I’m not here to criticize my players; I’m here to support them. We knew it was going to be a tough match. We’re here to move forward. In the first half, we played a good game, but the first action at the start of the second half made everything more difficult. We have to congratulate the opponent, who defended very well,” he said after the match.

Argentina are on top of South American World Cup Qualifiers

Despite this loss, Argentina are sitting pretty on the top of the points table in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. They have so far played 11 matches and have won seven matches while losing two and drawing one. They have 22 points to show for their efforts, three more than the second-placed Colombia, who have won five out of 10 matches, drawing four and losing only one so far.

Argentina are next scheduled to face Peru at El Bombonera on November 19 (Tuesday). For the unversed, Peru have struggled in the qualifiers winning only one out of their 10 matches and have only six points to their name.