International

Giménez, Paraguay draw 2-2 with Bolivia in FIFA World Cup Qualifying

gimenez paraguay XI

Following last Thursday's 1-1 draw with Argentina, Chicago Fire midfielder Gastón Giménez got another start for Paraguay in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Bolivia in FIFA World Cup Qualifying.


The start was Giménez's fourth-straight for La Albirroja after he completed a one-time change of federation from Argentina this summer. The 29-year-old played 83 minutes on the night before exiting the match for Mathias Villasanti.


Ángel Romero got things started for Paraguay with the opening goal on a 19th minute penalty kick, but Marcelo Moreno and Boris Cespedes put Bolivia ahead at the break with goals in the 41st and 45th minutes, respectively. New York Red Bulls midfielder Kaku provided the equalizer for Paraguay in the 72nd minute, helping the home team earn a share of the points at Estadio Defensores del Chaco.


With the draw, Paraguay remains in fourth place in the CONMEBOL standings with six points through four matches played. The top four teams in the standings at the completion of the region's 18 rounds will qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The fifth-place team will enter the inter-confederation play-offs, where they'll compete against representatives from CONCACAF, the AFC, and the OFC for one of two remaining qualification spots.


Up next, Giménez and Paraguay are scheduled to resume World Cup Qualifying in March with matches against Chile on Thursday, March 25 and Colombia on Tuesday, March 30.