World Cup Qualifiers: Five things Chiqui Arce can take from Round 5

The fifth round of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers have finished with Argentina moving to the top of the table having previously shared the lead with Uruguay and Venezuela. At the bottom Perú stay in penultimate position while Bolivia are in their habitual place propping up the table despite having played two games at home.

Chiqui Arce could use some pointers – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Futbol

Chiqui Arce was, of course, watching Bolivia in La Paz on Saturday and sent Edgar Bogado to Montevideo to spy on Venezuela while Osvaldo Cohener was in Buenos Aires to watch Paraguay’s next but one opponents, Argentina. These are five things Paraguay can take from the recent round of games in South America.

1. Acclimatisation to altitude the right tactic

The plan to take the Paraguay squad to La Paz 3,640 metres above sea level to acclimatise to the altitude seems to have been justified by Chile’s win. Claudio Borghi didn’t take his team for as long as Chiqui Arce nor to La Paz, they were in Calama at 2,260 metres, but the away side seemed very comfortable in the Hernando Siles. The timing of Chile’s two goals proved they didn’t run out of steam in the thin air, finding the net in stoppage time at the end of the first half and seven minutes from the final whistle.

2. It is time for a Messi plan

When I interviewed Chiqui Arce in September last year before the qualifiers began I asked if he had a plan for the world’s best player Lionel Messi. The answer didn’t appear in the interview because he responded with a question “When do we even play Argentina?” Arce asked his head of press. After another destructive performance from ‘La Pulga’ in the albiceleste of Argentina running from deep time and again at Ecuador’s defence it is certainly something for Arce to mull over. Paraguay are Argentina’s next opponents in Córdoba on September 7th and while the Paraguayan coaching staff think about containing Messi they will want to try and stop him linking with Gonzalo Higuain, the pair have been in scintillating form.

3. Away points are vital

History suggests a team needs 25 points to qualify from the CONMEBOL group, make that 22 considering there are less games this time round. That means Paraguay will need to win their five remaining home games and pick up a win on the road. In the likelihood that they drop points at home (they still have to face Argentina and Chile) they really need two victories away from home. One of Paraguay’s direct rivals, Colombia, have already taken six points from six as the visiting side.

4. Venezuela: Don’t believe the hype

The vinotinto are on eight points after five games which puts them in the qualification zone but are they really going to be a threat? In the 2010 campaign they began in similar fashion, seven points from the first five, before losing four consecutive games to effectively end their chances. The game with Chile in Puerto Ordaz will be key and Paraguay will be keeping a close eye on the team they beat in the Copa América semi-finals who are their next adversaries in Asunción. There is no doubt Venezuela are a strong side but one the albirroja can overcome.

Rondon celebrates for Venezuela

5. Score the first goal

It may sound obvious but Bolivia really lost the plot once they fell behind to Chile, their coach Gustavo Quinteros has the side well-drilled but there seems to be a problem with mentality with the players representing the Andean nation. The second half saw a series of poor challenges aimed mostly at Chile’s Alexis Sanchez and the Bolivians finished the game with ten men. It isn’t only the negative effect the first goal will have on their opponents, as pointed out previously Paraguay have won 88% of games since June 2010 when they score first.

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Talent: Paraguay U-17s beat Uruguay U-17s in friendly matches

Paraguay rounded off the third of their friendlies with Uruguay in style yesterday in Dos Bocas winning 3-0 having previously beaten the Charruas 1-0 and drawn 1-1. Mauro Caballero’s side look in good shape as he tries to forge a team in time for the U17s Sudamericano in Argentina next year that acts as qualifying for the 2013 U-17s World Cup in United Arab Emirates.

Paraguay and Uruguay in a feisty encounter

On a grey evening in Guaraní’s ground the two sides played out a physical and feisty contest with memories of Tuesday’s fight (see below) clearly still in the forefront of some player’s minds. Uruguay were well organised defensively but had few good passing moves until the second half. Paraguay were much more clinical than their opponents which allowed them to win convincingly. The first goal  was scored by local boy Alex Cáceres, the Guaraní striker turned well on the edge of the box to send a stinging left-foot drive into the bottom corner.

In the second half yet another product of the Aborigen academy, Andrés Nuñez, was on target with a towering header from Carlos Patiño’s pinpoint cross to double the lead. It was a sucker punch for Uruguay who had enjoyed their best spell of the game but hadn’t capitalised due to a combination of poor finishing and last ditch defending. With 15 minutes to go the Albirroja wrapped up the win when Cerro Porteño’s central defender Andrés Duarte, now playing at right-back, went on a mazy dribble rode his luck and rifled home a low shot with his weaker foot.

Paraguay U-17s say a prayer after winning both games

With the game lost the visitor’s began to lose their heads and a stream of thundering challenges almost caused tensions to boil over again especially with striker Francis D’Albenás guilty of some pushing and shoving.

Paraguay XI: Miguel Méreles; Ariel Martínez, Andrés Duarte, Diego Marín, Wilson Ibarrola; Marcelo González, René Obregón, Ángel Benítez, Carlos Patiño; Alex Cáceres, Andrés Núñez

Goals: Alex Cáceres, Andrés Núñez, Andrés Duarte

Subs: Leonardo Caballero for Miguel Méreles, Omar Alderete for Ariel Martínez, Josué Santa Cruz for Ángel Benítez, Ariel González for Alex Cáceres, Aldo Torres for Carlos Patiño, Pedro Marecos for Marcelo González

====================================

In the preliminary game the following Paraguay XI won 1-0 against Uruguay with the only goal from Guaraní’s Aldo Torres, a well-taken goal to capitalise on a defensive mix up.

Paraguay XI: Maximiliano Ruiz Díaz; Renzo Tandi, Hugo Aguayo, Omar Alderete, Claudio Fleitas; Arnaldo Báez, Claudio Garay, Josué Santa Cruz, Pedro Marecos; Ariel González, Aldo Torres.

Goal: Aldo Torres

Sub: Ariel Martínez for Renzo Tandi

====================================

On Tuesday Paraguay and Uruguay were level at 1-1 after 78 minutes when the game was called off following a full scale brawl that involved the players and adults too. That game took place in Luque’s stadium, the Feliciano Cáceres.

Paraguay XI: Miguel Mereles; Renzo Tandi, Andrés Duarte, Diego Marín, WilsonIbarrola; Claudio Garay, Angel Benítez (), Ariel González, Marcelo González;  Aldo Torres, Alex Cáceres

Goal: Claudio Garay (pen)

Subs: René Obregón for Angel Benítez, CarlosPatiño for Ariel González, Andrés Nuñez for Aldo Torres, Ariel Martínez for Alex Cáceres

By Ralph Hannah

Exclusive Interview: Diego Gavilán praises Alan Shearer and remembers Gary Speed

Diego Gavilán is a Paraguayan pioneer, aged 19 he became the first player from the landlocked nation to play football in England when he joined Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle side in 2000. He can remember his only goal, the first by a Paraguayan in the Premier League, as if it was yesterday.

“It was a cross to Coventry” he begins “Gary Speed won the header and the ball rebounded then fell to Alan [Shearer], he played a pass into the space in front of me seeing that I had made a run down the right and I picked up the pass hit it across the goalkeeper and Gracias a Dios it was a goal”

That historic goal against Coventry – Photo: Courtesy of Diego Gavilán

Diego was more than happy to talk about his experiences with the Magpies and his successful football career on a balmy Friday evening in Asunción at the San Ignacio de Loyola school where he is currently training 4-8 year olds as he continues to study for his coaching exams. Diego explained that he was surprised to be sold ”directly from Paraguay to England at such a young age.” and also because he had been expecting to turn out for another team in black in white “at the time I was linked heavily with Juventus. But their scout, Gordon Milner came from Newcastle and did everything practically overnight and so I went there”. He mentioned that the Juventus official was in Paraguay with a contract but got their too late.

Diego said England was “very end-to-end, very physical, the person who wins the most 50/50 balls is the most loved in the stadium” a contrast to what he had experienced in Paraguay. In only his second game for the club they faced treble-winners Manchester United and as El Pampero raced for a pass over the top he was greeted by a stiff challenge from Jaap Stam “He [Stam] left his leg out for me and said ‘Welcome to the Premier League’” laughs Gavilán as he recounts that match. “They weren’t happy, we won 3-0!” 

Gavilan at Newcastle

Adaptation was the key word on the Guaraní midfielder’s arrival in Tyneside “it was a totally different world, not just for me but for my family…as Bobby [Robson] told me you need at least six months to adapt yourself” before heaping praise on the former England manager. “It was a privilege to have him as a coach and the way he looked after me and at my young age” explained Diego before adding  ”he was like my father”. The former Barcelona coach even racked his brain for Spanish phrases to make things easier in training for his Paraguayan player “if things got too complicated in Spanish he would look to [Nolberto] Solano to act as interpreter”.

The instructions from Alan Shearer were simple ““He just said to me ‘cross me the ball, cross me the ball and cross me the ball’” says Gavilán with a smile. He only had good things to say about Shearer who he considered “A top professional” and dismissed any thoughts that the geordie idol acted like a superstar “he is very humble, very easygoing even though he might have been a God to the fans”

L-R: Diego’s son, Diego, Ralph – Photo: Andy Ramirez

It was impossible to conduct the interview without asking Diego about his former teammate Gary Speed who he considered “one of the pillars” of that talented Newcastle side along with Alan Shearer. “I was on holiday, I found out on Twitter…it was such a shock” laments Diego “I’ll never forget that when I was called up to the 2002 World Cup… he [Speed] came up to me and said ‘Congratulations because you are one of three players to represent us at the World Cup with Shay Given and Kieron Dyer’” Diego explains. “At that time I wasn’t used that much in the first team and that gesture by him to get up and go out of his way to congratulate me is something I’ll remember…he was an example as a professional, a person and a father”

In the end, maybe for his own youthful impatience to want to play, Diego didn’t stay on at Newcastle and after a brief spell with Udinese he returned to South America where he enjoyed plenty of highs. One of the difficulties was being a substitute at Newcastle but a regular starter for the national team and ultimately he felt he needed games to ensure he kept his place with the albirroja.

Gavilan with the national team

In Brazil he won the Gaucho state championship three times with Inter and was narrowly denied a Brazilian championship medal in the controversial 2005 campaign which Diego still calls “The robbery of Kia [Joorabchian]”. The midfielder was Gaucho champion again with Gremio under current Brazil boss Mano Menezes but also suffered his biggest heartache in the 2007 Copa Libertadores losing in the final to a Juan Román Riquelme-inspired Boca Juniors just the day after his son was born.

Diego Gavilán finishes the chat saying he is thankful to football for “the friendships” he made and to have been able “to live his dream of going to a World Cup, two times”. It was a very genuine statement from a down-to-earth guy who seems to have enjoyed every minute he spent at training, on a pitch and can look back on some wonderful memories.

By Ralph Hannah

Big thank you to Andy Ramirez who set up the interview and invited me along, he runs the excellent Fanaticos Fútbol magazine which you can give a ‘me gusta’ on facebook

World Cup Qualifiers: Bolivia vs Paraguay stat attack

Before the kick off in La Paz on Saturday 9 June we have put together some vital statistics about Bolivia and Paraguay ahead of their World Cup Qualifying match. Next week, the day before the game we will have the usual preview with team news and the odds and predicitions.

Form Guide

Paraguay last 5 games

Pld 5 W 4 D 0 L 1 GF 8 GA 4

Paraguay vs Panama

Paraguay last 5 away games

Pld 5 W 2 D 0 L 3 GF 6 GA 7

Paraguay last 5 World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 5 W 1 D 1 L 3 GF 3 GA 6

Paraguay last 5 away World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 5 W 1 D 1 L 3 GF 4 GA 8

Head-to-Head

Paraguay vs Bolivia Overall

Pld 64 W 32 D 17 L 13 GF 122 GA 62

Paraguay vs Bolivia World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 14 W 8 D 3 L 3 GF 28 GA 13

Paraguay vs Bolivia World Cup Qualifiers in Bolivia

Pld 7 W 1 D 3 L 3 GF 7 GA 10

Paraguay vs Bolivia all competitions in La Paz

Pld 15 W 2 D 6 L 7  - only wins were WCQ in 1974 and friendly in 1977

Paraguay vs Bolivia all competitions in Asunción

Pld 20 W 15 D 3 L 2 Win rate 75%

Paraguay overcame Guatemala with ease

Scoring

Paraguay results having scored the first goal (since June 2010)

Pld 17 W 15 D 2 L 0 – the last time Paraguay scored first and lost was WCQ away to Brazil in 2009

Paraguay results  having conceded the first goal (since June 2010)

Pld 12 W 0 D 3 L 9 – the last time Paraguay conceded first and won was WCQ at home to Uruguay in 2003

Paraguay’s goal scorers in World Cup Qualifiers since 2007

Salvador Cabañas x 6

Nelson Haedo Valdez x 5

Crisitian Riveros x 4

Roque Santa Cruz x 3

Oscar Cardozo x 2

Paulo da Silva x 2

Richard Ortiz

Dario Verón

Edgar Benitez

Néstor Ayala

Paraguay’s goalscorers in last ten matches

Edgar Benitez x 3

Oscar Cardozo x 2

Richard Ortiz

Cristian Riveros

Dario Veron

Julio Manzur

José Ortigoza

Ariel Bogado

Jonathan Santana

Ricardo Mazacotte

Nestor Camacho

Altitude

Paraguay’s results at altitude (over 2500 metres above sea level) since 2000

Paraguay’s World Cup Qualifer against Ecuador

Bogotá – Pld 4 W 4 D 0 L 0

Quito – Pld 3 W 0 D 1 L 2

La Paz – Pld 3 W 0 D 1 L 2

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: Head-to-Head records taken from FIFA.com which occassionally omits games they don’t consider full internationals

Special thanks to Tim and Rubén for pointing me in the right direction and fact-checking

Copa Libertadores 2012: Penalty heartache for Libertad

Uni. de Chile vs Libertad
Estadio Nacional de Chile
(1-1) 1-1 – Marcelo Diaz 17′; Osvaldo Gonzalez (og) 22′

5-3 penalties

A packed stadium warmed the atmosphere on a chilly night in Santiago as fans gathered to celebrate Universidad de Chile’s 82nd anniversary and watch them cruise into their third continental semi-final in two years. However they confronted a Libertad side full of Guaraní ‘garra‘ coupled with the astute tactical brain of Jorge Burruchaga meaning it was by no means plain sailing. On a day when Paraguayans were let down by their politicians it was, as ever, a football team that extolled all the virtues of her people showing fighting spirit and dogged determination to deny La U a 13th straight win at home.

Libertad trudge off after a valiant effort – Photo: D10.com.py

Libertad lined up as expected, the same eleven that had taken part in the first leg, and early on it was obvious that they would target right wingback Matías Rodriguez who had been the weak link last time round. José Ariel Nuñez pulled wide to support Luciano Civelli on the left at every opportunity and the latter was handed a golden opportunity after 14 minutes but opted to square the ball instead of shoot with the goal in his sights. The home side had been throwing in crosses with no joy as Ismael Benegas and Cristian Nasuti dealt with the aerial threat easily. But the pace of the Chileans on the ground caught Nasuti out on 16 minutes as Angelo Henriquez was felled by the defender on the edge of the box. The infraction led to the opening goal, as Marcelo Díaz converted the freekick in clever fashion sneaking the ball under the jumping black and white wall.

It was by no means a killer blow for Libertad who knew before the game they would have to score, in fact it took just six minutes to equalise courtesy of their own free kick specialist Victor Ayala. The Paraguayan midfielder’s delivery was threatening and in an effort to stop Pablo Velazquez scoring at the near post the Uni. de Chile defender Osvaldo Gonzalez contrived to head the ball into his own net. The goal spurred on the visitors who continued to be well organised in defence, anticipating each attack and breaking effectively. They had two clear chances to take an unexpected lead before the break, firstly Nuñez saw his shot saved as he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet fast enough to shake the attentions of a defender, later Topo Caceres headed Ayala’s free kick straight at the goalkeeper unable to emulate his goal in the first leg.

Libertad coach Burruchaga got his tactics right – Photo: D10.com.py

The second half seemed to lose a bit of the fizz of the first period and the tempo was slower with both teams wary of each other’s counter attacking capability. Uni. de Chile were unable to find a way past the imperious Nasuti who intercepted everything and was always in the right position to cut out any dangerous attacks. With penalties looming the teams began to show more urgency in the final twenty minutes as the goalkeepers came to the fore first Rodrigo Muñoz pulling off a stunning save from another Díaz freekick and tipping it onto the bar. He made another great save after 77 minutes from a Rodriguez half volley as the Gumarelo defence had left the Argentine free on the edge of the box. The pick of the bunch however was from Jhonny Herrera who denied substitute Rodolfo Gamarra a stoppage time winner his expertly directly header was blocked by an instinctive right hand.

Topo Caceres was imposing in midfield – Photo: D10.com.py

The two 1-1 draws signalled a penalty shootout, the second for Libertad in this competition having beaten Tigres in 2006 on spot kicks.   The first four penalties were converted and then Peruvian Raúl Ruizdiaz stepped up and hit the bar with the ball bouncing down towards the goalline, there was a moment of doubt before the assistant gave the goal. Victor Ayala stepped up to take Libertad’s third spot kick and while deadly from free kicks and corners he was unable to put his penalty out of the reach of Herrera. With both teams scoring their fourth penalty a semi-final place rested on Gusatvo Lorenzetti’s nerves, he made no mistake from 18 yards and Uni. de Chile could celebrate their birthday in style. For Libertad there should be no shame in the manner of the defeat, they were excellent defensively but by no means purveyors of “anti-football” as they created a host of chances over the two legs. It is likely they’ll be back next year and if Burruchaga is still there they can go far.

Libertad XI: R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Subs: R.Gamarra for C.Bonet, J.Santana for S.Aquino, N.Camacho for J.A.Nuñez

Penalty shootout

Charles Aranguiz 1-0

Pablo Velazquez 1-1

Marcelo Diaz 2-1

Topo Caceres 2-2

Raul Ruizdiaz 3-2

Victor Ayala saved 3-2

Matias Rodriguez 4-2

Rodrigo Muñoz 4-3

Gustavo Lorenzetti 5-3

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Uni. de Chile vs Libertad preview

Universidad de Chile vs Libertad
Estadio Nacional de Chile
24/05/2012, 21.30 (02.30 BST)

As expected the first leg was a tight and intriguing match in which Libertad took the lead early on only to be pegged back by the quality of Universidad de Chile and in particular Gustavo Lorenzetti. The 1-1 result means that Libertad must score in Santiago to have a chance of progressing, that will suit Sampaoli’s side who can sit back and try and hit the Paraguayans on the counter.

Libertad arrive in Santiago for the game – Photo: D10.com.py

Once again it will be fascinating to see what strategy Burruchaga decides on, earlier in the week Pablo Velázquez spoke of “scoring early and protecting the lead” which leads us to believe that it will be a similar pattern to the first leg. The Guma will come out all guns blazing and try and overpower their opponents in the first 20 minutes before sitting deep. In contrast, Rodolfo Gamarra indicated that the focus was on making the most of any goalscoring opportunities when they arise which is the talk of a counter-attack-side. The Asunción club showed last time they can create chances against La U and are able to stretch them by exploited the flanks but the difficulty will be stopping the Chileans from scoring. Last week Libertad were incredibly disciplined yet switched off for a split second which allowed Lorenzetti the space to work some magic, they simply can’t afford to put a foot wrong or they will be punished.

Angelo Henríquez got two at the weekend – Photo: taringa.net

Universidad de Chile will be wary of the strength of their opponents but must be confident they will triumph at home, currently on a 12 game winning streak at home*. The team are of course brimming with offensive talent and enjoy the wide spaces at the Estadio Nacional, they put six past Deportivo Quito in their last game there having previously knocked five past Colo Colo in a league match. At the weekend they recorded four more goals and the 18-year-old Angelo Henríquez was on the scoresheet twice, he is just one of a host of attacking threats.

Libertad XI (probable): R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Prediction: A brave attempt ultimately ending in defeat for Paraguay’s flag bearer in the competition, 2-1

SELECTED ODDS:  Uni. de Chile win 1.45, Draw 4.9, Libertad win 8.8; 2-1 scoreline 9.0, Over 2.5 goals 1.67

BEST BET: The short odds on the home win and Overs is actually because people are expecting a rout, if you believe Libertad can grab goal then 1.8 on both teams to score isn’t bad at all

GAME LIVE ON BETFAIR VIDEO

*La U’s winning streak are for all games where they are nominally at home which includes the ‘Estadio Nacional’ and Estadio Santa Laura where they have played recent league games

===================================================

STATS & TRIVIA

Libertad last 5 away in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 2 D 1 L 2 GF 5 GA 6

Universidad de Chile last 5 home in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 4 D 0 L 1 GF 15 GA 5

Previous meetings between Libertad and Uni. de Chile

2012 – Libertad 1-1 Uni. de Chile

1977 – Libertad 3-0 Uni. de Chile

1977 – Uni. de Chile 1-0 Libertad

==================================================

FULL SQUAD LIST:

GK: Rodrigo Muñoz, Bernardo Medina

DEF: Joe Bizera, Carlos Bonet, Ismael Benegas, Cristian Nasuti, Miguel Samudio, Gustavo Mencia, Jorge Moreira, Nery Bareiro

MID: Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli, Víctor Cáceres, Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana,  Néstor Camacho, Rodolfo Gamarra

ATT: Pablo Velazquez, Cristian Menendez, José Ariel Nuñez, Maurito Caballero

==================================================

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds up to date at the time of writing, vía Betfair

Paraguay Legends: The other Cabañas

You probably all know who Salvador Cabañas is but he isn’t the first albirroja legend to bear that surname, back in the 1980s there was another striker with the same name on all the Paraguayan’s lips. Welcome to the Paraguay Football Blog Hall of Fame (still under construction) Roberto Cabañas.

 Name: Roberto Cabañas

D.o.B: 11th April 1961

Height: 1.80 metres

Position: Striker

Domestic Clubs: Cerro Porteño, Club Libertad

Foreign Clubs: New York Cosmos, América de Cali, Brest, Lyon, Boca Juniors, Barcelona (ECU),   Independiente Medellín, Real Cartagena

Honours: 2 x NASL championships, 2 x Colombian championships, Argentine championship, Copa América

The Pilar-born striker was just 18 years old when he got his first taste of glory, the 1979 Copa América was won by Paraguay for only the second time in their history. Far from the star, Cabañas was limited to the bench and appeared for just 10 minutes in the 2nd of the three finals against Chile. Julio César Romero or “Romerito” as he is better known was the teenager that made the headlines, the 18-year-old scoring three times and was one of the best player’s of that tournament. So in 1980 Romerito made his way to the NASL with Cabañas, both were signed by New York Cosmos looking for a new star after the retirment of Pelé.

A young Roberto Cabañas at Cosmos – Photo: albirroja.com

With ‘El Mago’ playing a key role alongside players such as Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Neeskens the East Coast side were dominant in his first three years, winning the trophy in 1980 and 1982, finishing runner-up in 1981. But the striker’s best season individually was in 1983 when the forward notched 25 goals in 28 games and was named MVP. That year he also scored one of the league’s  most memorable goals, a stunning acrobatic strike that was voted goal of the year.

In 1985, with New York Cosmos and the NASL no more, Cabañas found himself in Cali, Colombia with América who had enjoyed sustained success the local league (winning the previous three titles) but were unable to make an impact in continental competition. The arrival of the Guaraní goalscorer continued the domestic domination and was desperately close to making América de Cali the first Colombian Copa Libertadores champions on three separate occassions. In 1985 the club won their fourth title and reached the Copa Libertadores final where they faced Argentinos Juniors inspired by midfielders Sergio Batista and Emilio Commisso. With either side winning their home leg by the single goal the final went to a third game at a neutral venue which coincidentally was Asunción, Paraguay. Once again the teams couldn’t be separated and the game went to penalties, Cabañas scored his but the Colombians lost 5-4 when Antony de Avila saw his shot saved.  1986 was a serious case of Dejá Vú as América were crowned ‘Pentacampeón’ thanks to a 3-1 win over bitter rivals Deportivo Cali in the ‘clásico vallecaucano’ with Cabañas opening the scoring. But once again they fell at the final hurdle in the Libertadores this time to River Plate, losing 2-1 in Cali and 1-0 in Buenos Aires, with El Paraguayo getting the only goal for the Los Diablos Rojos.

Switching briefly to international football and Roberto Cabañas was part of the Paraguay 1986 World Cup squad that made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. The achievement owed a lot to a brace the striker bagged against Belgium to secure second place in the group.

The 1987 Copa Libertadores final witnessed América’s third successive final and their third successive defeat with Cabañas playing a crucial role in all three games. In the first leg he smashed home the second goal in the 2-0 victory after his compatriot Juan Manuel Battaglia opened the scored. Peñarol were winners of their home leg 2-1, Cabañas got the consolation. In those days the finals weren’t decided on aggregate so like 1985 they went to a neutral city, this time Santiago de Chile, to decide the championship. América would lose 1-0 with a goal in the final minute of extra time but Cabañas’ final ended after 74 minutes when he was sent off for brawling with José Herrera.

Having enjoyed success in North and South America it was now time for Cabañas to try his luck in Europe and he relocated to France for several years playing for Brest and later Lyon. In the 1988/89 season Brest, who included a teenage Stephane Guivarc’h and former Rangers and Lyon manager Paul Le Guen in their side, finished second in the second division and were promoted. Cabañas played 38 games that season and scored 26 goals in all competitions. The next season was tougher for both the team, who finished tenth, and the striker who saw less game time with Gerard Buscher and Ronan Salaün the favoured forwards.  However, with almost a goal every other game, 9 goals in 20 matches, the Paraguayan caught the eye of Lyon who had been  taken over by Jean-Michel Aulas in 1987 (the businessman is still at the helm today).  At Lyon Cabañas moved from playing 4-4-2 to being the central striker in a 4-3-3 formation. He played 24 games, scoring 9 goals with current Lyon manager Remi Garde also in the side as the Rhône outfit finished in fifth place.

Unable to win the favour of new manager Raymond Domenech, Cabañas returned to South America in 1991 with Boca Juniors where he won the Apertura title in 1992 to add to his trophy cabinet. While not prolific in Argentina the striker is fondly remembered by fans for a series of superclásico goals against River Plate, like this screamer in 1992 or this wonderful header a year later.

His final years were spent in Ecuador and Colombia with a brief trip back to Paraguay and  Libertad in 1995. Incredibly the player can have claimed to have played in four decades, despite retiring in 1996 her returned to Colombian football at the turn of the century. Aged 39 he scored the Real Cartagena’s 100th goal in the top division in a game against Deportivo Pasto on 19 August 2000 lending weight to the old adage about class being permanent. Roberto Cabañas was indeed a class act.

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: Special thanks to Andrew Gibney at French Football Weekly for the input on Cabañas time in France and to Carl Worswick for some vital information about América de Cali.

Panini Sticker Photos were taken from Taringa.net

Paraguay Abroad: South America special

With most of the European leagues now finished we focus this week solely on the South American leagues where Paraguayans are playing crucial roles in the run-in of the leagues across the continent.

Argentina

The star of the weekend was Nestor Bareiro who scored a double for already-relegated Olimpo to earn them their first win in 11 games. A small consolation. Also down near the descenso is another Nestor (Ortigoza) with San Lorenzo who lost and are staring at a promotion playoff with four games left. Tata Martino and Newell’s Old Boys lost while Boca won which has returned the latter to the top of the table.

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Not in match squad

Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – Not in match squad

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – play later tonight (Monday)

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) - Subbed on after 73 mins in 3-1 defeat

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – SCORED twice in 2-1 win

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – played full 90 mins in 0-2 loss

Federico Santander (Racing) - played full 90 mins in 0-2 loss

Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Chile

It was the final round of games in the Chilean league and six of the eight teams who qualified for the playoffs can count on Paraguayan representation in the final stages. Those six sides and the relevant players are listed below.

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad at weekend

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off at halftime in 2-1 defeat

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) - Not in match squad at weekend

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Not in match squad at weekend

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – SCORED last goal in 4-1 win

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 win

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) - Not in match squad at weekend

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) - Not in match squad at weekend

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused Sub

Colombia

Robin Ramirez continues to dominate the Colombian league netting a last minute equaliser at the weekend and is currently joint second topscorer in the Apertura. The regular season came to a close with his Tolima side comfortably top and now, like Chile, they enter into a playoff stage. The five Paraguayans (four teams) to qualify are below.

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – Subbed off after 64 mins in 1-1 draw

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED stoppage time equaliser in 1-1 draw

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – currently with Paraguay National Team in La Paz

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad at weekend

German Centurion (Santa Fe) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Ecuador

Still six games to go in the first stage of the Ecuadorian championships with an Independiente side packed full of Paraguayans leading the table on goal difference.  Here are the top performers from the weekend.

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 stalemate

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 win with his side 2-0 down

Librado Azcona (Independiente) - subbed off at halftime in 3-0 win

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) – Not in match squad at weekend

Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 victory

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 defeat

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – Not in match squad

Perú

The Peruvian league started in confusing fashion with the withdrawal of Universidad San Martín and a general strike that delayed the commencement of the competition. However San Martín are now back and with one game of the first phase left are in with a chance of qualifying as one of the best eight teams for the second phase. Newly promoted Real Atlético Garcilaso are doing the best out of the six sides fielding Paraguayans, they are in third place just three points off top.

Edgar Gonzalez (Alianza Lima) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Mario Villasanti (Inti Gas) –  played full 90 mins in 2-1 victory

Oscar Díaz (Inti Gas) -  Not in match squad at weekend

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – subbed off after 87 mins in 2-1 defeat

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – Not in match squad at weekend

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) -Not in match squad at weekend

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 2-o victory

Uruguay

Edison Torres’ Liverpool won a nine-goal thirller to keep their mathematical hopes of winning Uruguay’s Clausura alive, with two games remaining they are four points behind Defensor Sporting.

Edison Torres (Liverpool) – subbed off at halftime in 5-4 win

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad and Universidad de Chile share the spoils

Libertad vs Universidad de Chile
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
(1-0) 1-1 – Víctor Cáceres 8′; Gustavo Lorenzetti 55′

The 1st leg of this quarter final tie lived up to the billing with a fascinating match, particularly the first half, which Libertad may feel disappointed not to have won. An early goal from Víctor ‘Topo’ Cáceres set the home team on their way after a blistering start but momentary slack marking in an otherwise excellent defensive display allowed Gustavo Lorenzetti to equalise. The final stages of the game couldn’t live up to the early intensity with the most notable incident, Emilio Hernández’s late red card.

Topo Cáceres celebrates his goal – Photo: D10.com.py

Libertad lined up as expected in a 4-4-2 but rather than sit back early on they looked to attack their opponents weak spots and harried and pressed the Chileans in midfield. The first chance came after a minute when Luciano Civelli was free on the left and put José Ariel Nuñez through on goal, the striker was slightly off balance and his weak shot on his unfavoured left foot was saved. On seven minutes the same two players combined to devastating effect, once again La U were forced into the mistake and Nuñez held the ball up well before releasing Civelli with a clever backheel; the Argentine winger burst into the area and his measured ball across goal was turned in by Topo Cáceres who had broken into the box.

José Ariel Nuñez had an excellent game – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

Of course Universidad de Chile had possession, at one point Lorenzetti thought he should have had a penalty for a push, but everytime the away side attacked they encountered an organised wall of black and white with players lurking on the counter attack. After 17 minutes it could have been 2-0, Miguel Samudio was the furthest man forward on a counter attack but the left back screwed his shot wide of goal. The defender had an identical chance later in the half that forced a save but arguably the best chances towards the end of the half were for Libertad’s opponents. 18-year-old Angelo Henríquez  saw his point blank header saved by Rodrigo Muñoz, an excellent stop by the Uruguayan keeper who also tipped over a fizzing long shot from Marcelo Díaz just before halftime.

Libertad had been at their best in the first half when they got at Universidad de Chile and pressed them all over the pitch, they started the second period in that manner with Nuñez a thorn in the visitor’s side. He had a very good game, holding up the ball, pressing and showing excellent movement. Libertad looked to be back in control but were pegged back after a momentary lack of concentration. Matías Rodriguez got forward and found Lorenzetti in space in front of the Libertad defence, it was the first time all evening he had seen so much room to work in and the 27-year-old Argentine took full advantage unleashing a left foot shot that deflected off Carlos Bonet to creep into the corner. It was frustrating for Libertad and Jorge Burruchaga who up to that point had been so disciplined and followed the game plan to the letter.

Universidad de Chile fans had more to cheer in the end – Photo: D10.com.py

After the goal the game died down, Rodolfo Gamarra had come on for Bonet  and had a couple of dangerous crosses one of which fell to Civelli who shot straight at the goalkeeper.In general though it was the away side that had a better grip on the game but couldn’t find another hole in the Guma’s defensive shield.  In the final minutes substitute Emilio Hernandez of Universidad de Chile was shown his marching orders for a nasty looking tackle on Sergio Aquino. It was a blemish on an otherwise excellent game of football, one that Libertad performed well in but ultimately the advantage lies with their adversary going into the second leg in Santiago.

Libertad XI: Rodrigo Muñoz; Carlos Bonet, Cristian Nasuti, Ismael Benegas, Miguel Samudio; Víctor Ayala, Victor Cáceres, Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli; José Ariel Núñez, Pablo Velázquez

Subs: Rodolfo Gamarra for Carlos Bonet, Cristian Ménendez for Pablo Velázquez, Maurito Caballero for Luciano Civelli

2nd Leg: Thursday 24th May, Santiago, Chile, 21.30 (02.30 BST)

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores 2012: Libertad vs Universidad de Chile preview

Libertad vs Universidad de Chile
Estadio Nicolas Leóz
16/05/2012, 18.30 (23.30 BST)

A fascinating game awaits as Libertad welcome the reigning Copa Sudamericana champions Universidad de Chile to Asunción for the 1st leg of the Copa Libertadores Quarter Final tie. This is the only tie in the last eight not involving Brazilian or Argentinian sides and will be an intriguing mix of styles, “La U’s” fluid and flexible attacking play will face a tactically adept Libertad who like to defend deep where they win the ball and build attacks. The Chileans might be favourites for the tie having brushed aside Deportivo Quito in style last week but the home side certainly have the right weapons to hurt their opponents.

Libertad training yesterday – Photo: Prensa Club Libertad

Libertad scored three times against Cruz Azul via set pieces and with the quality of Victor Ayala (who set up two in 2nd leg) over free kicks and corners it could be a tough night for the Chilean back line. Of course the Paraguayans haven’t got this far by just being a South American Bolton Wanderers, they are a good footballing side who enjoy longe periods of possession especially through centre midfielders like Víctor Cáceres and Jonathan Sanatana who are masters at keeping the ball. Jorge Burruchaga has made them very organised and they will play 4-4-2 and the midfield will drop deep in front of their defence when they lose the ball which makes them hard to break down. Admittedly Uni. de Chile experienced something similar when they faced Peñarol earlier in the tournament and managed to get a draw.

Angelo Henríquez is La U’s teenage sensation – Photo: taringa.net

It will be interesting to see how “La U” line up for this game, they usually play with a back three and their wing backs will be key. Matías Rodriguez on the right will want to pressure Miguel Samudio but must also track Luciano Civelli to help his team when they lose the ball. There is tremendous attacking talent in the side, the 17-year-old Angelo Henríquez up front with Gustavo Lorenzetti playing behind him. The Lorenzetti vs Cáceres battle could be key to this game and if the Paraguayan doesn’t stay tight and press well (with support of his teammates) the Chileans will run riot, just ask Nery Pumpido.

Libertad XI (probable): R.Muñoz; C.Bonet, C.Nasuti, I.Benegas, M.Samudio; V.Ayala, S.Aquino, V.Caceres, L.Civelli; P.Velázquez, J.A.Nuñez

Prediction: Libertad to take advantage of defensive frailities from dead ball, 2-1

SELECTED ODDS:  Libertad win 2.56, Draw 3.4, Uni. de Chile win 3.15; 2-1 scoreline 11.0, Over 2.5 goals 1.98

BEST BET: Both teams to score is only 1.7 but the safest option if you don’t think Libertad have enough to win

GAME LIVE ON BETFAIR VIDEO

===================================================

STATS & TRIVIA

Libertad last 5 home in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 4 D 1 L 0 GF 13 GA 4

Universidad de Chile last 5 away in Copa Libertadores

Pld 5 W 1 D 2 L 2 GF 4 GA 8

Previous meetings between Libertad and Uni. de Chile

1977 – Libertad 3-0 Uni. de Chile

1977 – Uni. de Chile 1-0 Libertad

==================================================

FULL SQUAD LIST:

GK: Rodrigo Muñoz, Bernardo Medina

DEF: Joe Bizera, Carlos Bonet, Ismael Benegas, Cristian Nasuti, Miguel Samudio, Gustavo Mencia

MID: Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli, Víctor Cáceres, Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana, Marcos Melgarejo, Néstor Camacho, Rodolfo Gamarra

ATT: Pablo Velazquez, Cristian Menendez, José Ariel Nuñez, Maurito Caballero

==================================================

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds up to date at the time of writing, vía Betfair