Argentina slumped to a surprise defeat in World Cup qualifying away to Paraguay, losing 2-1 away from home.
World Cup champions Argentina suffered the third defeat of their qualifying campaign, blowing a 1-0 lead against Paraguay.
There is no reason to panic for Lionel Messi and co., they are still top of the Conmebol qualifying group by a point.
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho was a second half substitute as Argentina chased the game, with Paraguay going 2-1 up just after half-time.
Lionel Scaloni on Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho played the final 26 minutes plus stoppage time, replacing Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in an attacking switch.
It was tough going, with Argentina only landing one shot on target the entire match, Lautaro Martinez’s 11th minute opener.
Garnacho did not attempt a single shot at goal and did not create any chances – yet it was a show of faith from his manager to select him in a moment like this.
This was Garnacho’s eighth appearance for Argentina, with four in friendlies and four in competitive matches – just one has been as a starter. He has one assist.
Speaking after the game, manager Lionel Scaloni told TNT Sports: “We seek to have depth with the entry of Garnacho.
“It is good for him to play in these type of matches. I’m not here to criticize my players, I’m here to support them.”
That will be welcome for the Manchester United winger, who has been going through a tough moment at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes encouraging him after he was clearly upset from criticism from a fan.
Argentine were not helped by Lisandro Martinez pulling out of the game with a back injury.
Reaction to Garnacho performance
The Argentine media were not overly impressed by Garnacho’s performance, but the whole team failed to impress in the defeat.
TNT Sports described Garnacho’s display as ‘unbalanced’. TyC Sports rated his performance as a 5/10 – but did not award any player higher than a 6/10, given to Lionel Messi.
They wrote of Garnacho: “He set the attack on the left and was threatening. He managed to center a couple of times. Very light for the rigor imposed by the South American Qualifiers. He needs this break-in, he’ll settle in.”
Clarin was a little harsher, giving him a 4/10, writing: “He did not have any influence on the attack. He had trouble making crosses with his left foot.”
Argentina have home advantage for their next fixture, taking on Peru on Wednesday at midnight UK time.
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