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Argentina Slips to Paraguay, Brazil Held by Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers

November 15, 2024

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 loss to Paraguay, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela in a challenging night for South America’s football giants in Thursday’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina started well with an early goal from Lautaro Martinez, whose low finish was initially ruled offside before a VAR check reversed the decision in Argentina’s favour in the 11th minute. However, Paraguay quickly responded, with Antonio Sanabria equalising with an impressive bicycle kick just eight minutes later.

Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory, declared a dengue epidemic on Thursday, as authorities reported an unusual outbreak driven by a rarely seen strain of the virus. Local mayors and regional health authorities issued a statement confirming that dengue fever cases have reached epidemic levels, largely due to the DENV-3 strain, which has not been widely active in the region for the past two decades.

The re-emergence of this dengue 3 serotype has raised concerns of severe cases and a significant rise in infections if control measures are not swiftly implemented. Recent data revealed that 97% of 62 samples analysed between September and October were caused by DENV-3.

Cases in Guadeloupe are far exceeding expected seasonal levels, with weekly clinic visits estimated at 540 in late October, compared to around 80 in typical seasons. Emergency room visits have also spiked, reaching 40 cases per week by October’s end.

Authorities are urging residents to reduce mosquito breeding sites, as the Aedes mosquito, known for its black and white striped legs, breeds in stagnant water pools, which have accumulated after recent rainfall. Guadeloupe residents are also advised to wear protective clothing, apply insect repellents, and use mosquito nets.

Health officials worldwide warn that climate change and urbanisation are exacerbating dengue’s spread, making it a year-round threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 12.3 million dengue cases and more than 7,900 deaths globally in the first eight months of 2024, with annual cases doubling since 2021.

Paraguay’s Omar Alderete then headed in the winner shortly after halftime from a cross by Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez. Argentina, who remain top of the standings with 22 points, found it hard to break through, despite Lionel Messi’s efforts to set up opportunities.

Meanwhile, Brazil, in third place on 17 points, were frustrated in Venezuela. Vinicius Junior missed a penalty after Telasco Segovia’s goal cancelled out a superb first-half free-kick from Raphinha. Venezuela’s resilient defence kept Brazil from regaining the lead, earning the hosts a valuable point.

In other qualifiers, Ecuador climbed to fifth place with a 4-0 victory over Bolivia, with Gonzalo Plata scoring twice after Enner Valencia’s opener.