Argentina vs. Paraguay score: Papu Gomez winner sends Argentina into Copa America quarterfinals

Lionel Scaloni's team is undefeated through three matches

Argentina are through to the Copa America quarterfinals after beating Paraguay in the group stage on Monday, 1-0. It was a first-half strike from Alejandro Gomez that secured the victory with the Sevilla midfielder scoring one of the tournament's best goals so far.

The victors were dominant in the first half when it came to chances, testing the opposing goalkeeper Antony Silva three times, but they had to suffer late to hold on to the three points.

Just 10 minutes in, there arrived the first golden chance that found its way in. Lionel Messi beat a defender and got into space, playing a ball out wide to Angel Di Maria. There, the PSG winger played in a filthy ball to Gomez inside the box with the diminutive veteran finished with class, lifting the ball over Silva.

Paraguay, despite getting into space with some speed, did not produce a shot on goal in the first half, making it three straight halves where Argentina didn't allow an effort on frame. 

Argentina did look like they had gone up 2-0 before the break on an own goal for Paraguay, but Lionel Messi was offside according to VAR, resulting in the goal being disallowed.

In the second half, Argentina remained in control until Paraguay were able gain composure on the ball late and threaten more than they did in the entire first half, but nothing came of it as Argentina recorded back-to-back clean sheets. Paraguay finished with two shots on goal but never looked like a threat to score. The victory sees Argentina lead Group A with seven points. Paraguay are in third with three points. 

Argentina 1, Paraguay 0 (FT)

[Jun 21, 2021 at 9:54 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Four added minutes

[Jun 21, 2021 at 9:36 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

15 minutes to go now as Cristian Romero is called for a foul atop the box. Great chance from a free kick.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 9:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Some good possession from Argentina as they look to eat up clock and try and find the space to play a dangerous ball in. No urgency at all from Argentina.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 9:20 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Almiron is taken down on the side of the box, and what a dangerous free kick for Paraguay this will be. A great chance to get a ball up to Gustavo Gomez....

[Jun 21, 2021 at 9:08 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Second half is underway!

[Jun 21, 2021 at 9:02 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

At the break, it's Argentina 1, Paraguay 0.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:48 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Offside is called. Didn't look like it, but VAR certainly saw something.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:48 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

GOAL Argentina! Called off for offside! But it was an own goal, and it doesn't look off! VAR time....

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:32 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Just one shot on frame for Argentina and zero for Paraguay. Argentina look like the more creative side, but Paraguay are finding some space going forward, where they can be dangerous due to their pace.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Getting overly physicalas Pezzella gets sandwiched between two Paraguayans. At this rate, this game won't finish with 11 players on each team.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:18 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Messi goes far post, but it is just wide! If that is on frame, it is a goal. He had him beat with a low effort.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:17 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Gomez takes down Aguero at the top of the box, and it's a glorious free-kick chance for the Argentines ... of course ... Messi to take it.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:11 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Goal stands! Di Maria with a great ball through to Gomez, and he chips the goalkeeper! 1-0!

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:10 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Goal Argentina! Papu Gomez! Was he offside?

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:08 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

8' Aguero! A wide open chance inside the box, but he flies it over! Horrific! A poor pass back falls right to the new Barcelona striker. How did he miss that?!

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:07 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

6' Decent effort there from Papu Gomez as he fires from outside the box, but his effort goes over the bar. Was a decent look.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:02 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

1' Decent start there for Argentina as Di Maria nearly plays Messi through on goal.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 8:01 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Underway!!!!! 

[Jun 21, 2021 at 7:55 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

• Date: Monday, June 21
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia
• TV: FS1 and TUDN
• Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
• Odds: Argentina -200; Draw +290; Paraguay +700 (via William Hill sportsbook) 

[Jun 21, 2021 at 7:54 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Storylines

Argentina: The performance against Uruguay was surprising and convincing, though the score doesn't reflect it. The defense was exceptional, not even allowing Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and company to get a shot on goal. But when it comes to Paraguay, they will have a bit more speed to be worried about. Expect the fullbacks to sit a bit further back to prioritize defending since their opponents love to get down the wings. Going forward, Argentina should have enough to win, but most thought the same back in November when they met in World Cup qualifying. That match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Argentina producing nine more shots. If Lionel Scaloni's team can be even a tad more efficient, they can take full control of the group.

Paraguay: The score line against Bolivia, 3-1, may be deceiving. All the goals came after the Bolivians were reduced to 10 men for the entire second half. But, with that man advantage Paraguay bombarded them with chances. For the match, Paraguay had 34 shots and 11 on frame. They will likely come nowhere close to that in this one, but they must focus on possessing the ball and playing an ugly, physical match to throw Argentina off. Also keep an eye on set pieces where Gustavo Gomez has a real chance to make an impact in attack.

[Jun 21, 2021 at 7:44 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Welcome to the CBS Sports live blog of the Copa America! It's Argentina and Paraguay to finish off the day's slate! In earlier action, Uruguay and Chile drew 1-1 in physical, exciting contest.