World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay vs Chile – alternative striking options

Less than a month until Paraguay take on Chile with qualification only possible mathematically – in reality the albirroja would need a tremendous set of results to go their way if they were to make it on the plane to Brazil. One of the problems that has plagued Paraguay since the Salvador Cabañas tragedy is a goalscorer – Tata Martino, Chiqui Arce and now Gerardo Pelusso have all struggled to get the best out of the considerable striking talents available to them. Here we look at four alternatives to the tried and tested – Oscar Cardozo, Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo, and Lucas Barrios.

1. Raúl Bobadilla (FC Basel)

Born in Argentina to Paraguayan parents, the 25-year-old striker has been approached by Pelusso about nationalization to represent the country of his parentage. After a successful start to his career in Switzerland (with Concordia and Grasshoppers) the powerful and physical forward struggled with Borussia Monchengladbach and Aris with his fiery temper causing problems with managers. He earned a move to his current club having impressed in the Europa League with Young Boys.

2. Adrian Fernandez (Independiente)

Just a year or so ago this kid was knocking around in the reserves of “El Rojo” who were thinking of letting him go, fast forward to the present day and the Paraguayan that had progressed through the ranks at Cerro Porteño is saving the Argentine giants from the drop thanks to his goals. He has four in four and the first strike against Tigre (see below) is an indication of the wonderful technique this left-footer possesses. Arguably a risk to throw in a 2o-year-old with little first team experience into a World Cup Qualifier although he has certainly proved that he isn’t one to shy from the big occassion.

3. Derlis Gonzalez (Benfica)

While we are sticking with youth why not give Derlis Gonzalez a chance? The Benfica forward shined during the U20s Sudamericano and his electric pace and ball control is likely to scare the Chilean defence. Again the questions are over temperament and maturity but Pelusso is at a stage when it is worth trying something new,  after all  he has scored against Chile before.

4. Pablo Velazquez (Libertad)

The big man was given 12 minutes in a losing cause against Ecuador but his form in the local league could convince Pelusso to give him a start. While his left foot and physical appearance might tempt you to draw conclusions with Oscar Cardozo, the Libertad man is more involved in the approach play, especially holding up the ball and bringin his teammates into play. Tacuara has always been a poacher but Velazquez can offer more outside of the area.

Of course there are many more names – Robin Ramirez isn’t having the best time at Pumas but he is still a great player, Edgar Benitez and José Ariel Nuñez have  both been used by Pelusso recently as has former Olimpia man Luis Caballero. On the youth scene there is Maurito Caballero who is currently with Porto’s youth side and although he is in the Spanish 2nd division it is hard to overlook Carlos Javier Acuña’s scoring exploits with Girona (14 goals in 19 games), maybe the Real Madrid man is ready to step up a level?

By Ralph Hannah

Sudamericano 2013: Paraguay U17s qualify for the hexagonal final

For all the problems facing the senior side, at youth level the Paraguayan national teams are bringing plenty of hope to the nation that the future is full of promise. Earlier this year we reported on the Paraguay U20s who qualified for the U20s World Cup in Turkey by finishing runners-up in the Sudamericano. The U17s have taken the first step in emulating that achievement by qualifying for the final stages of the Sudamericano in their respective age group with minds firmly focussed on the World Cup in United Arab Emirates.

The U17s celebrate their passage to the final round – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguay de Fútbol

The player everybody was interested in seeing before the tournament was Barcelona’s Antonio ‘Tonny’ Sanabria who has impressed at every age level in his time at La Masia to date. The APF had fought long and hard to have him represent this age group and while Barcelona were unwilling to release him for friendlies (apart from two games in January) they have no choice in a FIFA-sanctioned tournament and Sanabria has been more than happy to represent the country of his birth. He has lived up to expectations scoring twice in the win against hosts Argentina, the second a real peach, before adding to his account against Ecuador today. That triumph over the albiceleste was historic, only once before in 1997 have Paraguay won at this level against their neighbours with Salvador Cabañas getting on the scoresheet on that occassion.

Sanabria is on the books of Barcelona – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Another player with three goals to his name is 15-year-old Jesus Medina who is one of many products of the excellent conveyer belt at Libertad, he scored a double against Ecuador in the most recent game. Medina, who doesn’t turn 16 until the end of this month, came to the fore during the 2012 Apertura playing in the final game of the tournament against Rubio Ñu and impressing people with some outrageous skills and searing pace. Althoug his mohican haircut did leave a lot to be desired.

Medina celebrates his latest goal – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguay de Fútbol

The final game is against Venezuela where they will almost certainly secure top spot unless they suffer a heavy defeat. Congratulations to the team and coaching staff – FUERZA PARAGUAY!

RESULTS SO FAR

vs Colombia D 1-1 (Jesus Medina)

vs Argentina W 3-1 (Antonio Sanabria 2, Alex Cáceres)

vs Ecuador W 3-0 (Jesus Medina 2, Antonio Sanabria)

FULL SQUAD

Credit: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay name 28-man squad for Uruguay and Ecuador trips

The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers resume next Friday and Paraguay have two tough trips firstly to Montevideo against Copa America champions Uruguay and then the altitude of Quito against an Ecuador side with a 100% home record to date. Taking into account there are two away games at opposite sides of the continent, Gerardo Pelusso has called up 28 players to cover for any injuries and fatigue.

Libertad central defender Ismael Benegas finds himself in a qualifier squad for the first time which is a reward for continuing on from his good form towards the end of last year. Tobías Vargas becomes the first ever Deportivo Capiatá player to receive an international call up. Cristian Riveros finds himself back in the team, Oscar Cardozo is also back meaning the most notable omission is Roque Santa Cruz the joint all-time topscorer who fired Malaga into the Quarter Finals of the Champions League this week and is getting regular game time albeit from the bench.

Gerardo Pelusso reads out the list of players – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de fútbol

Due to the demands of the altitude we will probably see two different line-ups but I don’t expect the formation to change, either a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3- depending on the inclusion of Jonathan Fabbro or not. My ideal XI to face Uruguay would be the following:

1. Antony Silva

How Paraguay could line-up

2. Ivan Piris

4. Pablo Aguilar

5. Anotlin Alcaraz

3. Lorenzo Melgarejo

6. Victor Cáceres

7. Richard Ortiz

8. Crisitan Riveros

11. Marcelo Estigarribia

9. Oscar Cardozo

10. Robin Ramirez

I would love to see the combination of Ramirez’s movement with Cardozo’s predatory instinct although in an away game there may well be a temptation to play a more defensive forward like Luis Caballero or Nelson Haedo. In midfield the combination of a holder and passer like Victor ‘Topo’ Caceres will work well with two ‘pressers’ ahead of him a job that Richard Ortiz and Cristian Riveros can perform with class.

In defence Pablo Aguilar has shown that his rise to stardom at Tijuana is no fluke and his danger from set pieces is to be feared at international level, he has four in his last three. Antolin Alcaraz makes a welcome return after missing previous qualifiers through injury.

Fabbro is, as ever, a tantalising option and was immense in February’s friendly having come off the bench – the question isn’t over his ability but more the balance of the side and for a player who enjoys space there is likely to be much less in Montevideo against Uruguay than there was against El Salvador in Asunción.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers (3): Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima, Colombia), Tobías Vargas (Deportivo Capiatá, Paraguay).

Defenders (9): Iván Piris (Roma, Italy), Marcos Cáceres (Newell’s Old Boys, Argentina), Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca, Mexico), Pablo Aguilar (Tijuana, Mexico), Pedro Benítez (Libertad, Paraguay), Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic, England), Ismael Benegas (Libertad, Paraguay), Miguel Samudio (Libertad, Paraguay), Lorenzo Melgarejo (Benfica, Portugal).

Midfielders (10): Fidencio Oviedo (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Víctor Cáceres (Flamengo, Brazil), Julio Dos Santos (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Víctor Ayala (Lanús, Argentina), Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor, Turkey), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia, Paraguay), Marcelo Estigarribia (Sampdoria, Italy), Osvaldo Martínez (América, Mexico), Silvio Torales (Nacional, Paraguay), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay).

Forwards (6): Nelson Haedo Valdez (Valencia, Spain), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica, Portugal), Luis Neri Caballero (Krylia Sovetov Samara, Russia), Edgar Benítez (Toluca, Mexico), Robín Ramírez (Pumas UNAM, Mexico), Pablo Velázquez (Libertad, Paraguay)

Paraguay win first game of the new year against El Salvador thanks to Fabbro show

Paraguay vs El Salvador
Nicolas Leóz
(1-0) 3-0 – Pablo Aguilar; Richard Ortiz (2)

The fifth game in the Nicolas Leóz, the fifth meeting with El Salvador which brought Paraguay’s fifth win against the Central American nation. The first half was a fairly balanced affair as the visitors kept possession well and threatened Diego Barreto’s goal including a fierce shot off the crossbar. However it was Paraguay that opened the scoring through Pelusso’s lucky charm Pablo Aguilar, the Tijuana defender now has four goals in three games all from set pieces. Victor Ayala’s freekick found the Luqueño’s head but he only managed to direct it towards the ground and a El Salvador defender, fortunately the rebound came straight back to him and he finished well.

Paraguay celebrate their first goal against El Salvador – Photo: AFP

Jonathan Fabbro, who has featured in all seven of Pelusso’s games in charge, was introduced at halftime and had an instant impact setting up two goals in just over 15 minutes as the albirroja took the game away from their opponents. Richard Ortiz profited from Fabbro’s clever passes and side-footed home with his left foot on both occassions. It was his first ever brace for the national side.

This was always going to be a gentle warm-up for the guarani before the serious stuff of March’s two away World Cup Qualifiers and they’ve passed the test comfortably recording their best win since beating Honduras by the same scoreline in September 2011.

Paraguay XI: Diego Barreto; Ivan Piris, Pablo Aguilar, Paulo da Silva, Miguel Samudio; Victor Ayala, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos; José Ariel Nuñez, Nelson Haedo, Edgar Benítez

Subs: Jonathan Fabbro, Víctor Cáceres, Marcos Cáceres, Luis Caballero, Richard Ortiz, Pedro Benítez

By Ralph Hannah

International Friendly: Paraguay vs El Salvador preview

Paraguay vs El Salvador
Estadio Nicolas Leóz, Asunción
06/02/2013; 20:30 (23:30 GMT)
TV: Telefuturo, Paravision (both Paraguay)

Paraguay play their first game of the year against another CONCACAF side, El Salvador, it is the sixth consecutive friendly game they have faced a team from the region. The game takes place at Libertad’s ground and is the only run out before the two tricky away qualifiers next month in Uruguay and Ecuador.

Paraguay and El Salvador dispute the much sought after ‘Copa Vision Banco’ – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Gerardo Pelusso has called up Robin Ramirez who last represented the albirroja under Chiqui Arce in their very first qualifier against Peru in Lima. He has also handed a debut call-up to Ivan Gonzalez Ferreira who played well for Guaraní last season and is one of several home-based players in a midfield that includes Cerro Porteño trio Jonathan Fabbro, Julio Dos Santos and Fidencio Oviedo while youngsteres Silvio Torales and Richard Ortiz are also part of the camp. There is a strong Mexican flavour with Paulo Aguilar, Paulo Da Silva and Edgar Benítez joining Ramirez from up north.

Robin Ramirez is part of Mexican legion including Edgar Benítez (background far left) – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Interested to see how Pelusso plays, he usually prefers three central midfielders in a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 formation with at least one physical striker and another pacey one. In the previous friendly the trio up front was Luis Caballero flanked by Edgar Benítez and José Ariel Nuñez all of whom are in this squad. In defence it is likely to be Ivan Piris at full back with the two Paulos in central defence.

I know very little about El Salvador, their former boss was Ruben Israel now at Libertad and their only foreign-based player is Rafael Burgos of Kesckeméti in Hungary.

Paraguay XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Ivan Piris, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Lorenzo Melgarejo; Victor Ayala, Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos; Edgar Benítez, Nelson Haedo or Luis Caballero, José Ariel Nuñez

Prediction: 2-0

Selected Odds: Paraguay win 1.32, Draw 5.4, El Salvador win 8.4; Under 2.5 goals 1.99

Best Bet: A Paraguayan victory is expected so there is no value there, unders is my option because Paraguay don’t usually score many (see below) and I only expect the game to go overs if El Salvador manage to score. As a secondary bet look into Paraguay winning at Half-Time (currently 1.8) as they’ve been leading at HT in 8 of their previous 11 friendlies.

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STATS

Paraguay vs El Salvador head-to-head: Pld 4 W 4 D 0 L 0 GF 7 GA 1

(Most recent meeting was 2005 in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay won 3-0)

Paraguay average goals scored (Pelusso era): 1.3
Paraguay average goals conceded (Pelusso era): 1.83
Paraguay average goals per game (Pelusso era): 3.17

Paraguay last 5 home friendlies

Pld 5 W 4 D 1 L 0 GF 8 GA 2

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

Paraguay Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Antony Silva (Deportes Tolima, Colombia), Carlos Servín (Rubio Ñu, Paraguay)

Defenders: Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca, México), Pablo Aguilar (Tijuana, México), Iván Piris (Roma, Italia), Marcos Cáceres (Newell’s Old Boys, Argentina), Lorenzo Melgarejo (Benfica, Portugal), Miguel Samudio (Libertad, Paraguay), Pedro Benítez (Libertad, Paraguay), Salustiano Candia (Olimpia, Paraguay)
Midfielders: Víctor Cáceres (Flamengo, Brasil), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Fidencio Oviedo (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Víctor Ayala (Lanús, Argentina), Julio Dos Santos (Cerro Porteño, Paraguay), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia, Paraguay), Silvio Torales (Nacional, Paraguay), Iván González Ferreira (Guaraní, Paraguay)
Forwards: Nelson Haedo (Valencia, España), Edgar Benítez (Toluca, México), Luis Neri Caballero (Samara, Rusia), José Ariel Núñez (Libertad, Paraguay), Robin Ramírez (Pumas UNAM, México)

By Ralph Hannah

All odds from Betfair Sports who will have an in-play market on this game

Sudamericano 2013 Championship game – Paraguay vs Colombia preview

Paraguay vs Colombia
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
03/02/2013; 21:15 (23:15 GMT)

Paraguay will be champions of South America for only the second time in their history if they can avoid defeat against Colombia. If they were to lose that would hand the title to the cafeteros who are one point behind the albirrojita. This tournament has taken on beautiful symmetry with this final game a repeat of the opener, one that Colombia triumphed in thanks to a defensive error. Victor Genes’ side have improved immensley since that meeting and tonight is sure to be an intriguing contest.

Paraguay won the warm up tournament in 2012 and tonight they can win the real thing

Throughout the tournmanet the team has been reliant on set pieces, the last three goals have all come from dead ball situations and while Paraguay’s three goals in their previous three games might seem meagre for a team so close to the championship it is worth noting that Colombia have only scored twice in the last 270 minutes of football. With that in mind we shouldn’t expect a lot of goals regardless of the offensive talent on display in the form of Derlis Gonzalez, Jorge Rojas and on the other side Juan Quintero and Jhon Cordoba.

We have seen such a tactically astute tournament from Paraguay who have played to their strengths, the aforementioned set pieces and also the counter attack owing to the speed of their attacking players. While defensively they have seamlessly changed from a back four to a back three with the former reportedly preferred for tonight’s encounter.

Derlis Gonzalez crowded out against Colombia in the first game – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Whatever the result it has been a wonderful tournament for Paraguay who were going through a lean period at this level, qualifying just once (2009) in the last four World Cups. That was a huge contrast to the ‘golden period’ (1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003) when the side qualified for four consecutive U20s World Cups even finishing fourth in the 2001 edition and winning a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics. Let’s just hope they can out-do even that crop of players and take the trophy home for the first time in 42 years.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Miller Mareco, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Perez, Manu Balbuena; Jorge Rojas, Angel Lucena, Miguel Almiron, Rodrigo Alborno; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez

Prediction: Not many goals, a tight match, 1-0 to Paraguay

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay defeat Uruguay and are on the verge of making history

Heavy rain in Mendoza coupled with the heavy legs of a group of teenagers that have played a lot of competitive football in a short space of time meant this game was hardly a classic. In the first half both sides found it hard to create chances and throughout the match these two physical sides resorted to breaking up moves by unfair means, in total there were 39 fouls.

Paraguay starting XI – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

For the eighth time in this tournament the albirrojita’s goal was from a set piece, a Jorge Rojas corner was met at the near post by Cecilio Dominguez who flicked the ball towards the back post where Junior Alonso was on hand to turn in his second goal of the tournament. It put Paraguay in the driving seat with just 30 mins to go and they were helped when opposing midfielder Sebastian Cristoforo was sent off for leading with the arm.

Drama ensued in the final minutes when Cecilio Dominguez handballed a header inside the 18-yard-box and the referee pointed to the spot. Diego Rolán stepped up to take the penalty which would have levelled the match giving the Celeste the point they needed to qualify for the World Cup however he skied his attempt, Paraguayan commentators pointing to “champions luck”. On Sunday we’ll find out if the commentators are right, just a point needed versus Colombia to secure the first title since 1971, the second ever.

DT Victor Genes, has done his reputation the world of good in this tournament – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay XI:  Diego Morel; Miller Mareco, Gustavo Gómez, Rubén Monges, Junior Alonso; Ángel Lucena, Miguel Almirón, Jorge Rojas, Rodrigo Alborno; Derlis González, Cecilio Domínguez

Match Stats (Paraguay first)

Shots on Target: 1-4

Attempts at Goal: 6-8

Fouls: 21-18

Yellow Cards: 2-3

Red Cards: 0-1

Corners: 3-4

Possession: 44%-56%

Sudamericano 2013 Hexagonal Final: Paraguay vs Uruguay preview

Paraguay vs Uruguay
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
30/01/2013; 22:00 (00:00 GMT)

A day after the Boca vs River clásico that went to penalties the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas plays host to another triple-header of U20s football with Paraguay and Uruguay last on the bill. It will be interesting to see what state the pitch is in, of course the albirrojita hardly need a carpet playing surface considering they rarely have more possession than there opponents.

Paraguay are relaxed following their qualification – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Juan Villmayor’s late winner against Ecuador has put Paraguay in the World Cup and has earned him a place in the starting line-up against the Celeste. However, there are no signs that Victor Genes will field a weakened team, far from it, now that they have secured qualification the next step is to try and win these final two games and obtain only their second Sudamericano title, the only one to date was achieved in 1971. Teodoro Paredes is suspended for this match so Libertad’s Ruben Monges (who made his senior debut last year) is set to come in. The midfield is likely to remain the same with Jorge Rojas operating in the free role.

Paraguay left it late in their previous meeting with Uruguay – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Uruguay have the tournament topscorer in Nicolas López and his strike partner Diego Rolán has plenty of pace to disrupt the back three. The last meeting with Paraguay was a friendly in Capiatá on 26 November 2012, it was a thriller with the visitors 2-0 up before Arnaldo Gimenez and Fulvio Chavez netted one a piece in the final five minutes to earn Paraguay the draw. Neither of the goalscorers from that night are in this squad but it just epitomises the spirit this side has.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Ruben Monges, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Perez; Miller Mareco, Angel Lucena, Miguel Almiron, Jorge Balbuena; Jorge Rojas; Derlis Gonzalez, Juan Villamayor

Prediction: Could well be a draw, I’m expecting goals 2-2

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay qualify for the U20s World Cup in Turkey

Juan Villamayor’s late goal was enough to overcome Ecuador and take Paraguay to the U20s World Cup in Turkey, they become the 13th nation to book their ticket to the showpiece tournament and the 2nd side from CONMEBOL after Colombia who also won last night. It is the eighth time the albirrojita have made it to this stage, most recently in 2009 where they reached the last 16. Qualification is great news for the APF who have invested a lot of the 2010 World Cup money into youth development, opening new state of the art pitches in Ñu Guazu on the edge of Asunción, and have housed 100s of players from U15s upwards every week at the high performance centre in Ypané. It is no surprise that APF President Juan Angel Napout was in Mendoza last night to watch the latest stars in the production line, Gerardo Pelusso has also been keeping a close eye on the progress of these youngsters.

Paraguay celebrate their qualification to the World Cup in Turkey – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay’s excellent  preparation for this competition – which has involved not just the weekly sessions mentioned above but also international friendlies against the likes of Brazil, Uruguay and participations in cuadrangular tournaments – is evidenced by their ability to come back into games from losing positions, strength at set pieces and also their high fitness levels. Nine of their 14 goals have come in the final half hour a sign of their dominance in the later stages of games. Last night was no exception, the winner coming in the 86th minute from substitute Juan Villmayor, the tiny Libertad forward whipped in a freekick that evaded everybody and sneaked into the corner.

The goal was nothing less that Paraguay deserved based on an improved second-half performance, they managed to contain Ecuador’s captain and playmaker Uchuari and began to build several good moves from the back spearheaded by Miguel Almirón in central midfield. Before the goal Derlis Gonzalez had scored only to be ruled off (correctly) for offside and Teodoro Paredes had crashed a header onto the bar.

Teodoro Paredes heads onto the bar – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Surprisingly this was Paraguay’s first cleansheet of the competition, although they can point to the joint second best defensive record amongst the finalists along with Chile so even in their weakest area they are at the front of the pack. This could be the beginning of a new golden age for Paraguayan football just when the senior side look to be losing their sparkle.

Starting XI vs Ecuador – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay XI: Diego Morel; Teodoro Paredes, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Pérez; Miller Mareco, Ángel Cardozo Lucena, Miguel Almirón, Manuel Balbuena; Jorge Rojas, Derlis González, Cecilio Domínguez

Subs: Juan Villamayor for Cecilio Dominguez, Rodrigo Alborno for Manuel Balbuena, Robert Piris for Teodoro Paredes

Next Fixture: Uruguay, Weds 30 Jan, 22:00 Paraguay time (00:00 GMT)

By Ralph Hannah

Sudamericano 2013 Hexagonal Final: Paraguay vs Ecuador preview

Paraguay vs Ecuador
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
27/01/2013; 22:00 (00:00 GMT)

The albirrojita are back in action tonight against Ecuador after well-earned break for the young sides following so many games in short sucession. Paraguay are unbeaten following their opening two matches in the hexagonal final, in the previous game against Peru they equalised late on through a Junior Alonso header.

Training on the eve of the Ecuador game – Photo: Prensa Selección de Fútbol Paraguaya

The news from the camp is that Genes will revert to three at the back, in an attempt to hold onto the ball more and take the game to Ecuador who, having lost their first two games, are seen as the weakest side in the finals. Paraguay’s problem so far has been possession, and they have profited from their pace on the counter attack and strength at set pieces. Jorge Rojas has been very strong when running with the ball and will upset the Ecuadorean defence if he is given space. Any corners or free kicks in the final third will give central defender Matías Perez a chance to add t his 3 goals in this tournament.

Uchuari (left) has starred for Ecuador – Photo: Vavel.com

Ecuador’s topscorer so far is striker Ely Esterilla who is based in Mexico with Santos Laguna, he is the only foreign-based player in the squad. The playmaker Johnny Uchuari also looks an excellent player, it will be important for Angel Lucena or whoever gets the holding role to keep tight to him.

Paraguay XI (possible): Diego Morel; Teodoro Paredes, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Perez;  Jorge Rojas, Angel Lucena, Miguel Almiron, Rodrigo Alborno, Jorge Balbuena; Derlis Gonzalez, Cecilio Dominguez

Prediction: 2-0 Paraguay to win

By Ralph Hannah