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Argentina held in Asuncion

Cape Town - Argentina, still struggling to shake off the disappointment of losing the Copa America final in July - their second defeat in a major final in 12 months - were held to a scoreless draw by Paraguay in Asuncion.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino praised the fortitude of his team - again without injured captain Lionel Messi as well as injured forward Sergio Aguero.

However, he was frustrated they couldn't get the victory over a team they thrashed 6-1 in the Copa America semi-finals.

"I am not satisfied with the point," he said. "

I am happy with the effort that the players put in. I am unhappy because we needed to win the match."

Argentina face Brazil next, when qualifying resumes in November.

It's not clear if Messi will be back from a serious knee injury by then, while Brazil will be able to welcome back the suspended Neymar.

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