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Paraguay Stuns Messi’s Argentina in Dramatic World Cup Qualifier
Sports Desk
15 Nov 2024, 08:42
Photo: Collected
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, suffered a defeat to Paraguay. Lautaro Martínez initially put Argentina ahead with an early goal, but they couldn’t hold onto the lead for long. Paraguay equalized through a stunning bicycle kick by Antonio Sanabria, and later, Omar Alderete’s goal secured victory for the hosts.
In this World Cup qualifier match, Argentina took the lead but eventually lost 2-1 to Paraguay, marking their third defeat in the tournament.
Argentina didn’t have to wait long for their first goal. In the 11th minute, Lautaro Martínez received a through pass from Enzo Fernández, brushed off a defender, and struck the ball into the net. Although initially flagged offside, the goal was confirmed after a VAR review.
Argentina held onto their lead for only eight minutes. In the 19th minute, Gustavo Gómez’s header hit the crossbar. Although Argentina escaped this time, they couldn’t deny Sanabria, who connected with a cross from Gustavo Velásquez and executed a bicycle kick near the byline to level the score. Emiliano Martínez couldn’t save the ball as it slipped past him by the post.
In the 25th minute, Argentina had another opportunity to take the lead, but Lionel Messi couldn’t keep his shot on target from a Molina cross, and the first half ended 1-1.
Right after the break, Paraguay went ahead. In the 47th minute, Gómez delivered a free kick, and Alderete’s diving header found the back of the net.
Trailing in the match, Argentina struggled to maintain possession, and Paraguay kept them under pressure. However, Messi created a good chance in the 79th minute with a long-range shot that deflected off a defender and went just past the post. Despite their efforts, Argentina couldn’t get back into the game.
Despite the loss, Argentina still tops the points table with 22 points from 11 matches. Colombia, with 19 points from 10 matches, has a chance to catch up. Meanwhile, Brazil, who drew 1-1 with Venezuela, stands in third place with 17 points.
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World Cup Qualifiers: / Messi Hat-Trick Leads Argentina's 6-0 Rout of Bolivia
Argentina returned to winning form in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, thrashing Bolivia 6-0 at home on Wednesday (October 16). Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, with Julián Álvarez, Almada, and Lautaro Martínez each adding a goal.
The Albiceleste dominated the first half, scoring three goals. Messi opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a clinical left-footed finish from a Martínez pass. In the 43rd minute, the duo combined again, but this time Martínez found the net from Messi’s pass, doubling Argentina’s lead.
In added time (48th minute), Argentina earned a free kick. Messi’s precise cross found Julián Álvarez, who controlled it with his chest and scored, giving Argentina a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Argentina continued to dominate in the second half. Almada, who came on as a substitute for Álvarez in the 65th minute, scored in the 70th, converting a low cross from Molina with a one-touch finish.
The rest of the match turned into a Messi showcase. The Argentine captain netted twice in two minutes to complete his hat-trick. In the 84th minute, he dribbled past two Bolivian players and scored from a Palacios pass. Just two minutes later, he struck again from Nico Paz’s back pass, sealing his hat-trick.
With the emphatic 6-0 victory, Argentina consolidated their top spot in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, sitting comfortably with 22 points from 10 matches.
World Cup Qualifiers: / Brazil Cruise Past Peru with 4-0 Win
Brazil secured an easy 4-0 victory over Peru in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday (October 16) at Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha. Raphinha scored twice from penalties, while Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique each added a goal.
Following their narrow win over Chile in their last qualifier, Brazil dominated this match from the start, even without their star player, Vinícius Jr. Barcelona winger Raphinha, in excellent form, led the attack and converted the first penalty in the first half.
In the second half, Brazil added three more goals. Raphinha netted his second penalty in the 54th minute. Substitute Andreas Pereira scored just two minutes after coming on in the 69th minute, assisted by fellow substitute Henrique. Henrique sealed the 4-0 win with a goal in the 74th minute from an Igor Jesus pass.
This victory marks Brazil’s fifth win in the qualifiers and their second consecutive triumph. Despite being level on 16 points with Uruguay, Brazil sit fourth in the CONMEBOL table due to goal difference.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Uruguay stumbled with a goalless draw against Ecuador at home, while Colombia cruised to a 4-0 win over Chile. Colombia now sit second in the table with 19 points, followed by Uruguay in third.
Proteas Arrive in Dhaka for Two-Test Series
The South African cricket team has landed in Dhaka to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The Proteas arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly before 9 AM on Wednesday, October 16.
Aiden Markram’s side will face Bangladesh in the first Test on October 21. The squad has been built with a focus on spin, featuring Keshav Maharaj along with spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt.
However, South Africa also boasts a strong pace attack, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, and Wiaan Mulder. Additionally, Matthew Breetzke, who has played eight T20Is, could make his Test debut in this series.
South Africa Test Squad
Aiden Markram (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, Dewald Brevis, Lungi Ngidi.
Shakib's Homecoming on Hold: Test Farewell in Jeopardy
Former Bangladesh captain and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s return to Bangladesh is now in doubt after student protesters burned his effigy on Wednesday.
The South African cricket team has arrived in Dhaka, and Bangladesh's newly appointed head coach, Phil Simmons, has also joined the team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the Mirpur Test, including Shakib Al Hasan, who had recently received clearance to return. However, a fresh complication arose late Wednesday night, forcing Shakib to pause in the UAE. His flight to Dhaka now depends on receiving further approval.
Shakib aims to conclude his illustrious international Test career on home soil with the Mirpur Test against South Africa, as he plans to focus exclusively on ODIs going forward. With no home matches scheduled for Bangladesh before the 2025 Champions Trophy, this Test represents his final opportunity to bid farewell to local fans.
Earlier, during Bangladesh’s recent tour to India, Shakib expressed his desire to play the final Test only if security measures were ensured amid Bangladesh's evolving political landscape. Though uncertainties persisted, he received a green light from the interim government and had made all travel arrangements to return on Thursday, October 17.
However, upon arriving in Dubai en route from the USA, Shakib was asked to wait instead of continuing to Dhaka. Reports suggest the ongoing protests near the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, along with other complications, led to this delay.
The government is reportedly reevaluating his security arrangements given the recent unrest near the stadium. Shakib’s situation became even more delicate after he was implicated in a murder case in Dhaka’s Adabor area during the national team’s tour to Pakistan, which subjected him to harsh criticism on social media.
Although the BCB and government initially assured Shakib of sufficient security, the recent developments raise doubts about whether he will be able to participate in the Mirpur Test. For now, his return to the field remains in limbo, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this unfolding situation.
Ronaldo’s Goal Secures Dramatic Win for Al Nassr
Al Nassr led until the 90th minute, but a late mistake allowed the opposition to score, putting their victory in doubt. Just when it seemed they would drop points, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and scored from the penalty spot to restore the lead.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Before the final whistle, the referee awarded another penalty—this time to Al Shabab. But Abderrazak Hamdallah missed the crucial spot-kick, allowing Al Nassr to escape with a 2-1 victory.
The Saudi Pro League match took place on Friday, October 18, with Al Nassr defeating Al Shabab to move into second place on the table. They now have 17 points from 7 matches, with 5 wins and 2 draws. Al Hilal remain at the top with a perfect 21 points from 7 matches.
In a thrilling encounter, Aymeric Laporte put Al Nassr ahead in the 69th minute. They held the lead until the final minute, when Ali Al-Hassan's own goal brought Al Shabab level.
But Ronaldo’s composure in extra time ensured his team’s victory. His penalty goal marked the 907th goal of his career, as he continues to chase the historic 1,000-goal milestone. This was Ronaldo’s 55th goal for Al Nassr, along with 15 assists for the club.
Bangladesh to Host Maldives for Two Friendlies in November
The Bangladesh national football team will play two international friendly matches against Maldives on November 13 and 16 at home during the final FIFA window of the year.
The news was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by Imran Hossain Tushar, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
Initially, BFF had approached Malaysia and Thailand to arrange matches during the November window, but both teams were only interested in playing a single match. Eventually, BFF contacted Maldives, who agreed to play two matches, which BFF accepted considering the lower cost and additional match.
The matches are expected to be held at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, with BFF maintaining close coordination with the venue management.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi-origin English footballer Hamza Dewan Choudhury recently received clearance from the English Football Association and obtained a Bangladesh passport. However, BFF’s request to FIFA’s Player Status Committee for his eligibility to represent Bangladesh is still pending, as FIFA requested more documentation, delaying his inclusion.
To make matters worse, Hamza is currently sidelined with an injury, making his participation in the Maldives matches uncertain.
Today's Sports Schedule on TV
We can't watch all the games in our busy life. So, we have to choose a little according to time and preference. It is exciting to watch live sports.
Here is the sports schedule today so can avoid searching for where and what games are on and decide when to keep an eye on a game. Take a look at which satellite channels will be broadcasting which sports today (Sunday, October 20).
Cricket
Women's T20 World Cup (Final)
New Zealand-South Africa
8 pm, Nagorik TV and Toffee
Bangalore Test-Day 5
India-New Zealand
9.45 am, T Sports, Sports 18-1
1st ODI
Sri Lanka-West Indies
3 pm, Sony Sports 5
National Cricket League
Dhaka Metropolis-Barishal
10 am, YouTube/BCB
Rajshahi-Khulna
10 am, YouTube/BCB
Rangpur-Chattogram
10 am, YouTube/BCB
Sylhet-Dhaka
10 am, YouTube/BCB
Football
English Premier League
Wolverhampton-Man City
7 pm, Star Sports Select 1
Liverpool-Chelsea
9:30 pm, Star Sports Select 1
