ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay Oct 17.-- Striker Arnaldo 'Tony' Sanabria netted the solitary goal on Tuesday, ensuring Paraguay's victory over Bolivia during the fourth matchday of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

With this result, the team led by Daniel Garnero celebrated their maiden victory in the competition, bringing their total to four points in the standings.

Furthermore, this victory marked the end of an extensive goal drought for Paraguay in the World Cup South American qualifiers. Their last goal came on March 25, 2022, when they defeated Ecuador 3-1 during the qualifiers for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

From the outset, the home side dominated ball possession, establishing a clear offensive presence that lasted throughout the match.

Bolivia's head coach, Argentine Gustavo Costas, opted for caution, setting up a five-man defensive line. In contrast, Paraguay's coach fielded an attacking lineup with Miguel Almirón, Alejandro Romero Gamarra, and Ramón Sosa supporting Adam Bareiro upfront.

Sosa had a clear chance in the 24th minute, going one-on-one against Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra, but failed to convert.

Costas made early second-half changes, introducing Yeison Chura and Gabriel Villamil for Hector Cuella and Rodrigo Ramallo, respectively.

The Bolivian team defended staunchly against a visibly anxious Paraguayan side. To rejuvenate the attack, Garnero replaced Romero Gamarra with Gabriel Ávalos.

In his first touch of the ball, the Argentinos Juniors striker scored, but the goal was disallowed by the Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejer, citing a handball offense.

Soon after, Almirón missed a golden opportunity, shooting high when faced with just the Bolivian goalkeeper. It seemed Paraguay's scoring woes would continue due to their players' imprecision.

However, in the 69th minute, Sanabria touched the ball for the first time on the field and scored, sending the fans at the Defensores del Chaco stadium into ecstatic celebration.

The scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle, leaving Paraguay in joy and Bolivia in sorrow, with the latter suffering their fourth consecutive defeat in the competition.

Match Details:

Paraguay 1: Carlos Coronel; Alberto Espínola (Robert Rojas, 67th min), Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Matías Espinoza; Álvaro Campuzano, Mathías Villasanti; Miguel Almirón, Alejandro Romero Gamarra (Gabriel Ávalos, 61st min), Ramón Sosa (Héctor Villalba, 47th min), and Adam Bareiro (Antonio Sanabria, 67th min).

Manager: Daniel Garnero.

Bolivia 0: Guillermo Viscarra; Danny Bejarano, Carlos Roca (Marcelo Suárez, 81st min), Luis Haquin, José Sagredo, Diego Medina; Moises Villaroel, Héctor Cuellar (Yeison Chura, 46th min), Henry Vaca (Boris Céspedes, 81st min); Marcelo Moreno Martins, and Rodrigo Ramallo (Gabriel Villamil, 46th min).

Manager: Gustavo Costas.

Goal: 1-0, 69th min: Antonio Sanabria.

Referee: Uruguayan Gustavo Tejer issued yellow cards to Moisés Villaroel, Carlos Roca, Henry Vaca, Adam Bareiro, and Gabriel Villasmil.

Event: Fourth matchday of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, held at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción.