La Albirroja lost 4-0 on their last visit to Uruguay in 2016 but, despite coming under the cosh for long spells at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Eduardo Berizzo’s side managed to preserve their unbeaten record in CONMEBOL’s ten-team qualifying tournament. Almirón started the clash – earning his 29th cap for his country – and was replaced by teammate Gabriel Ávalos in the final minute of normal time.

Paraguay currently sit fourth – in the final automatic qualification place – ahead of Brazil’s visit to Asunción on Tuesday. Their attention will then turn to the 2021 Copa América, with their first game taking place a week on Monday.

Closer to home, Magpies defender Fabian Schär got another 45 minutes under his belt as Switzerland thumped Liechtenstein 7-0 in St. Gallen. The 29-year-old was replaced by Ricardo Rodríguez at half time as the Swiss cruised to victory in their final warm-up fixture ahead of Euro 2020.

They take on Wales in their Group A opener in Baku a week on Saturday.