Aguero misses penalty as Argentina lose to Paraguay in WC qualifiers

Cordoba [Spain], Oct.12 (ANI): Striker Sergio Aguero missed a penalty as Argentina slumped to their first home defeat in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, losing to Paraguay 0-1 in their group clash here on Wednesday. Paraguay had a great chance to open their account in the seventh minute of the match when defender Gustavo Gomez sent a diving header wide following Oscar Romero's free-kick from the left. The visitors, however, had to wait for just 11 more minutes to make the breakthrough via striker Derlis Gonzalez, who struck a counter-attacking opener in the 18th minute, goal.com reported. Having declared himself fit despite sustaining a calf injury during training, Aguero failed to convert a penalty corner for the fifth time in 2016 as his spot-kick was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar, who was making his first start since this year's Copa America. With the result, Argentina, who were playing without their injured star striker Lionel Messi, have now dropped out of the automatic qualification spots following a third match without a victory. Meanwhile, Paraguay have climbed up to the sixth spot in standings, thus giving their hopes of securing a place in Russia a huge boost. In another group clash, Brazil saw off Venezuela 2-0 to jump to the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings. Argentina will next lock horns with Brazil on November 10. (ANI)