Argentina are through to the Copa America quarterfinals after beating Paraguay in the group stage on Monday, 1-0. It was a first-half strike from Alejandro Gomez that secured the victory with the Sevilla midfielder scoring one of the tournament’s best goals so far.
The victors were dominant in the first half when it came to chances, testing the opposing goalkeeper Antony Silva three times, but they had to suffer late to hold on to the three points.
Just 10 minutes in, there arrived the first golden chance that found its way in. Lionel Messi beat a defender and got into space, playing a ball out wide to Angel Di Maria. There, the PSG winger played in a filthy ball to Gomez inside the box with the diminutive veteran finished with class, lifting the ball over Silva.
Paraguay, despite getting into space with some speed, did not produce a shot on goal in the first half, making it three straight halves where Argentina didn’t allow an effort on frame.
Argentina did look like they had gone up 2-0 before the break on an own goal for Paraguay, but Lionel Messi was offside according to VAR, resulting in the goal being disallowed.
In the second half, Argentina remained in control until Paraguay were able gain composure on the ball late and threaten more than they did in the entire first half, but nothing came of it as Argentina recorded back-to-back clean sheets. Paraguay finished with two shots on goal but never looked like a threat to score. The victory sees Argentina lead Group A with seven points. Paraguay are in third with three points.
