Paraguay vs. Argentina: Score and Reaction from 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Two 2018 World Cup qualifiers down, zero victories for Argentina. Left again without superstar Lionel Messi, Argentina failed to score a goal in their second straight match, playing Paraguay to a 0-0 draw Tuesday night.

Manager Gerardo Martino's side continues to look lost on the attack without Messi and Sergio Aguero, who both remain out with injuries. Argentina held possession for 61 percent of the match and largely dictated the pacing but were unable to capitalize on opportunities. They shot 10 times overall, four of which were on goal, and each time Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Domingo Silva stopped them.

Argentina now have just one point through their first two qualifying games and will likely be near the bottom of the table once each team plays its second game. A 2-0 loss to Ecuador on home soil last week undoubtedly still leaves a bitter taste in Martino's mouth, especially after his team once again failed to score a goal.    

Cesar Olmedo/Associated Press

"Every day there is more dependence upon Messi," Mario Kempes recently told ESPN FC Radio. "And when we are missing the best player in the world, it is notable that it cost us. We must think about a generational change. This was a great generation of players but they haven't given us the titles that we had hoped for."

Much of the focus in wake of Messi's injury has come down on Carlos Tevez, who many expected to take over the former Ballon d'Or winner's ball-dominant tactics. Tevez attempted three shots Tuesday but has not been nearly the same difference-maker. BeIn Sports USA highlighted Tevez missing on arguably Argentina's best attempt of the match:

Despite the criticism, Martino recently defended his forward, saying Tevez and Messi play two different roles, per ESPN FC:

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Carlos can't replace Lionel Messi and I don't say that because of [Messi's] category, but because of his role. Because Leo starts as a No. 7 and I don't see Carlos going to the wings. If the situation presents itself, but never from the start, but it would depend on the match situation, maybe it could happen, but as the match develops, it is never in our best interest to have him on the wings and that is why we are thinking about the middle.

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Of course, Tevez had plenty of reasons to not be at 100 percent against Paraguay. The Boca Juniors forward left in the second half after taking an elbow to the face. No status has been given on his injury. Paulo Dybala, who made his international debut, replaced him.

For Paraguay, this is a fine result that will keep them on the path to making a World Cup appearance. Getting three points instead of one at home would always be ideal, but their aggressive tactics were largely held at bay by Argentina's defense. Paraguay actually outshot Argentina 11-10, yet only three of those attempts went on goal. 

Derlis Gonzalez was responsible for five shots alone, as he tried to score in back-to-back World Cup qualifiers. Gonzalez scored Paraguay's only goal in their 1-0 triumph over Venezuela.

Paraguay's aggressiveness also carries over to the defensive side, where they had 26 tackles and 18 fouls. Defender Bruno Valdez and forward Federico Santander each drew second-half yellow cards. Argentina had two cards of their own, as Pablo Zabaleta picked one up in the 34th minute, and Ramiro Funes Mori had one in the 74th during a particularly contentious stretch.

Up next for Argentina are Brazil, who are going through growing pains of their own after a loss to Chile in their opener. The Brazilians recovered with a 3-1 victory over Venezuela on Tuesday. Paraguay, meanwhile, should get points in their third straight match when they go against Peru.

Post-Match Reaction

Martino spoke after the match, indicating he was unhappy coming away with less than a three-point result, per AllSports.com: "We came to recover the points that we lost in the first matchday. We regret that we did not get the three points, which is what we came for. I am not satisfied with the point."

Martino also credited his players with being better in the first half than the second:

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I am happy with the effort that the players put in. They were better in the first half than in the second. It is not easy to get fluidity in play within two or three days having changed the tactical plan. The bad thing from these fixtures is the amount of points we took. What is worrying is the defeat to Ecuador. I do not usually emphasise the attitude but I do know because these players were very brave after difficult days.

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