Argentina is at the top of the South American World Cup Qualifiers group following a 3-1 victory against Paraguay.
It took under 3 minutes for Angel DI MARIA's deflected shot off of Ezequiel LAVEZZI to open the score for Argentina. The team looked in control until Rodrigo BRANA decided that he was going to play volleyball inside the box and award Paraguay a penalty kick which allowed them to tie the match.
DI MARIA's pass which was aimed at HIGUAIN took a huge deflection off a Paraguayan player and still found HIGUAIN who scored his fifth goal of the World Cup Qualifiers. A tight angle finish from HIGUAIN gave Argentina a 2-1 lead heading into half-time. MESSI, who hit the post off a free kick in the first half started the second half the same way as his chip hit the post. It seemed like MESSI was just destined not to score in Cordoba. A few minutes later, Argentina awarded a free kick and Lionel MESSI hit the post again, but this time, the ball went in the back of the net and it was 3-1 Argentina. A party atmosphere broke out at the Mario KEMPES stadium.
Javier MASCHERANO and Sergio AGUERO served their one game suspensions and will be able to play against Peru. Rodrigo BRANA, who picked up his second yellow card of the Qualifiers is suspended for the match against Peru. Federico FERNANDEZ and Gonzalo HIGUAIN are both one yellow card away from suspension.