- Both teams now have 3 points after playing two matches.
- Thiago Barrios and Carballo scored Paraguay's goals.
Paraguay needed a win, and it got it: in a true final against Argentina, it secured a 2-1 victory after losing its first match against Venezuela and having a bye in the second round.
It was a hard-fought match from start to finish. Paraguay took the lead in the first minute thanks to a long ball/shot from Rolón, which Barrios redirected with his head. Also in the first period, Gigena struck a cross-shot to make it 1-1 at the first break.
In the second period, both teams were awarded a penalty: Carballo converted for Paraguay, while Ponzetti was denied by the wall that was Rolón, who closed down the goal.
The final period saw both sides creating good attacking opportunities, but both goalkeepers stood firm. In the last two minutes, Gómez Polatti made a key foot save in a one-on-one against Milciades Medina, while Rolón denied Ponzetti’s powerful strike.
Paraguay will face Brazil on Wednesday, February 26, while Argentina will play a decisive match against Venezuela.
Lineups
Argentina (1): 1- Sebastián Gómez Polatti, 2- Lucas Medero, 6- Manuel Pomar, 8- Lautaro Benaducci, 10- Lucas Ponzetti (Captain).
Substitutes: 3- Nicanor Maciel, 4- Axel Rutterschmidt, 5- Nahuel Cipolletta, 7- Luca Becares, 9- Alejo González, 11- Nahuel Gigena, 12- Mariano Mansilla.
Coach: Hernán Magrini
Paraguay (2): 12- Yoao Rolón, 2- Sixto Cantero, 3- Thiago Barrios, 5- Amado Rolón, 7- Milciades Medina.
Substitutes: 1- Carlos Adrián Ovelar Morinigo, 4- Jhovanny Benítez, 6- Pedro Morán, 8- Carlos Carballo (Captain), 9- Néstor Medina, 10- Valentín Benítez, 11- Mathías Martínez.
Coach: Joaquín Molas
Goals
1st period: 1’ Thiago Barrios (P), 9’ Nahuel Gigena (A). Partial score: Argentina 1-1 Paraguay
2nd period: 2’ Carlos Carballo (P). Partial score: Argentina 1-2 Paraguay
3rd period: No goals. Final score: Argentina 1-2 Paraguay
Cards
2nd period: 5’ Yellow card for Milciades Medina (P)
3rd period: 12’ Yellow card for Alejo González (A)
Main referee: Jorge Iván Gómez (Colombia)
