With Gómez and Sosa starting, Paraguay draw with Ecuador and book Copa spot | OneFootball

On Thursday, Paraguay drew 0-0 with Ecuador at Defensores Del Chaco, for the 17th round of the South American Qualifiers. With Palmeiras' Gómez and Sosa in the starting lineup, the home team secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Paraguay reached 25 points and, in sixth place, secured a direct spot. Ecuador, already qualified, loses the vice-leadership and falls to third place.

Both teams return to the field on Tuesday, for the last round of the Qualifiers. Paraguay visits Peru, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time). And already qualified Ecuador hosts leader Argentina, at 8 pm.

The game

The first half of the match was totally dominated by Paraguay. The hosts created several opportunities, mainly with Ramón Sosa, Palmeiras' striker. While the Ecuadorians posed little threat to the opposing defense.

Paraguay returned for the second half better and almost opened the scoring at 21 minutes. Cubas was free of marking at the entrance of the area and finished for the goal, but hit the goalkeeper Galíndez's post.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.