Chile, who are at serious risk of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup finals, weathered an attacking storm with a disciplined defensive display throughout the opening quarter-hour in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion.
That early boost of confidence led to La Roja having two notable opportunities in front of goal. However, neither Lucas Cepeda nor Alexander Aravena could break the deadlock, as their efforts flew wide of their intended target.
The game’s opening goal would have arrived in the 28th minute if it wasn't for Roberto Fernandez’s strong outstretched palm low at his near post, which prevented Cepeda’s effort from nestling into the corner of the net.
Despite a promising front-footed approach towards goal in the opening exchanges, Paraguay only had one shot on target in the first half, as Junior Alonso’s header was well-saved by Brayan Cortes.
However, it didn’t take the hosts very long to have another sight of the game’s opening goal almost immediately from the restart as Cortés pulled off a brilliant save to deny Ramon Sosa.
The momentum led to the deadlock eventually being broken in Paraguay’s favour on the stroke of the hour mark. Antonio Sanabria’s towering header from the penalty spot put it on a plate for Alderete to fiercely fire the ball straight into the back of the net from the back post.
Julio Enciso should have made it two-nil with time elapsing, but the Ipswich Town loanee could only misfire his effort on the wrong side of the post from inside the area.
Another three points on Paraguayan soil on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup leaves Gustavo Alfaro’s improving side unbeaten in seven matches (W4, D3) and with a seven-point cushion in the automatic qualification spots.
On the other boot, La Roja are bottom and still searching for their first away WCQ win across this qualification cycle (D1, L6).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Omar Alderete (Paraguay)