Colombia edges Argentina 2-1, Brazil loses to Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying
Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates scoring a penalty, his side's second goal, against Argentina during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ricardo Mazalan]
BARRANQUILLA, Colombia (AP) — Two South American soccer powerhouses have lost in World Cup qualifying in the absence of their biggest stars, with Lionel Messi missing Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia and Neymar on the sidelines for Brazil’s upset defeat in Paraguay. James Rodríguez scored from the penalty spot and had an assist to help Colombia edge defending champion Argentina 2-1 in Barranquilla. Diego Gómez netted the winner for Paraguay in a 1-0 victory over Brazil in Asunción. Both Argentina and Brazil struggled without their injured stars, with the replacements for Messi and Neymar unable to deliver away wins for their teams.
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Argentina's Nicolas Gonzalez (15) celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Colombia with teammates during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Metropolitano Roberto Melendez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Fernando Vergara