Paraguay today recorded a famous victory over 5-times World Cup winners Brazil, beating the illustrious “canary squad” 1-0 on a hazy night in downtown Asunción.
The win breathes life into Paraguay’s campaign to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2028.
The winning goal came after 20 minutes, when Diego Gomez smashed a stunning shot with the outside of his right foot that hit the goalpost and rebounded across the line into the net.
Paraguay held on to the lead for the rest of the game, with an excellent defensive display that repeatedly thwarted a bona fide superstar front three from Brazil who recently won the European Cup together at Real Madrid.
Paraguay defender Ramon Sosa was excellent throughout, preventing Brazil’s Vincius Junior from equalising, and goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez made some important saves throughout the game to protect Paraguay’s precious lead.
The famous win is the first time Paraguay have beaten Brazil since June 2008, and leaves Paraguay in seventh place in South America’s CONMEBOL qualifying group – just one point behind Brazil in 5th place, with Venezuela in between the two neighbouring nations.
The top six in the league table qualify for the World Cup automatically, with the nation in seventh place having to attempt to navigate a tricky qualifying play-off against teams from other continents.
The win is a boost for Paraguay’s head coach Daniel Garnero, who has repeatedly stated his belief that Paraguay can qualify for the next World Cup – which would be the first since 2010, when Paraguay went on to reach the semi-finals, losing to eventual winners Spain.
Vamosna Paraguay!
