Paraguay shock Argentina in WC qualifier

Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete scored either side of halftime as Paraguay recovered from a goal down to clinch a 2-1 home win over Argentina in their World Cup qualifier here on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez put the visitors ahead when he ran onto Enzo Fernandez's chipped pass and showed deft control before slotting a low shot into the far corner.

Sanabria equalized with a superb overhead volley following a Gustavo Velazquez cross from the right flank.

The hosts took the lead just after halftime through Alderete, who headed home after Diego Gomez's floating free-kick.

Despite the result, Argentina remain top of the 10-team South American zone standings with 22 points from 11 qualifiers, six points ahead of Paraguay.

The top six teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada while the seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior missed a second-half penalty as five-time world champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 away draw with Venezuela in their World Cup qualifier here on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

Barcelona winger Raphinha put the visitors ahead on the stroke of halftime with a curling 20-yard free-kick that rebounded into the net off the post.

But Venezuela looked equally potent in attack and Telasco Segovia equalized just after the restart when he received Jefferson Savarino's back-pass before rifling a first-time effort into the top-left corner.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius, who hit the post with an earlier effort, squandered a chance to restore Brazil's lead as he directed a tame spot-kick straight at goalkeeper Rafael Romo.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute after Alexander Gonzalez was shown a straight red card for lashing out with an arm at Vinicius.

Brazil controlled more than two thirds of possession and completed more than twice as many passes as their opponents but they were unable to find a winner against Sergio Batista's spirited outfit.

The result leaves Brazil with 17 points from 11 qualifiers, five points ahead of Venezuela, who are seeking the country's first ever World Cup berth.