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

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier: Paraguay show spirit to fight back in Montevideo against Uruguay

Uruguay vs Paraguay
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
(0-0) 1-1 – Suarez; Benítez

A defensive-minded Paraguay thwarted the home side for long periods in a typically physical game between these two old rivals. Pelusso went for a 4-4-2 as planned and tried to squeeze the space out of the game, Oscar Tabarez also put four in the middle with Edison Cavani on the bench. In the first half we were treated to plenty of fouls and not much football, Paraguay looked best from Ayala’s set pieces as expected while Uruguay forced a good save from Barreto and Suarez headed over towards the end of the first 45 minutes but it wasn’t a classic.

In the second half Uruguay went to a 4-3-3 with Cavani on the pitch and began to probe more but good football was still at a premium, the albirroja were brutal in defense with captain Paulo Da Silva having a good game in his 111th appearance. Oscar Cardozo looked good until he was injured but the key change by Pelusso was to bring on Edgar Benítez for the defensive Richard Ortiz. Suddenly the game was more open and the celeste were really pressuring Paraguay’s goal, they had had a penalty appeal turned down when Riveros hauled down Cavani at a corner but now they were stringing together more attacking moves.

Honours even in Montevideo – Photo: D10.com.py

With nine minutes to go Luis Suarez struck with a lethal volley at the back post, it was substitute Gaston Ramirez who provided the assisit with a sweet cross from the left. By now Paraguay had brought on Jonathan Fabbro so it looked like the gamble had backfired but they were handed an equaliser from an unlikely source; Diego Lugano went to meet a long ball and inadvertently flicked the ball behind him and into the path of Pajaro, the Toluca man slipped the ball through to equalise. The final four minutes were bedlam, Paraguay had more possession as Uruguay looked shell shocked although it was Suarez who could have won it only for his shot to be smothered by Diego Barreto who capped off a fine game.

Next stop Quito – only a win will do, even that might not be enough but the spirit was on show tonight in the Centenario, Pelusso has unearthed the Paraguay of old.

Paraguay XI: Diego Barreto; Ivan Piris, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio; Victor Ayala, Fidencio Oviedo, Cristian Riveros, Richard Ortiz, Nelson Haedo, Oscar Cardozo

Subs: Edgar Benítez for Richard Ortiz; Luis Nery Caballero for Oscar Cardozo; Jonathan Fabbro for Nelson Haedo

By Ralph Hannah

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers: Uruguay vs Paraguay preview

Uruguay vs Paraguay
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
22/03/2013, 19:00 hs (22:00 GMT)
TV: SNT & Telefuturo (Paraguay) Livesport.tv (ROW)

The first of two away games for the albirroja in their quest for a fifth successive World Cup appearance which at present looks highly unlikely. To date the Paraguayans have struggled greatly on their travels, losing all five matches as visitors which has contributed to them being last in the qualifying group. Uruguay are also underperforming by their standards, the World Cup semi finalists find themselves in the playoff position on goal difference level on points with Chile and Venezuela.

Haedo should start vs Uruguay – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Gerardo Pelusso is likely to use experience over youth with Nelson Haedo (Valencia) and Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) expected to start up front. In defence they have already been rocked by the loss of Antolin Alcaraz to injury and now Lorenzo Melgarejo is a doubt. Paulo Da Silva is in line to become the most capped Paraguay player of all time, making his 11th appearance to beat Carlos Gamarra’s record. We’ve been accustomed to seeing three central midfielders previously but Pelusso has opted for four a cross the middle with a rather defensive aspect, Oviedo holding with Riveros pressing in the central roles while Victor Ayala and Richard Ortiz are on either flank, both players have also been used at full back in earlier stages of their careers. Ayala is a key player because of his danger from set pieces and the player most likely to profit is Tijuana’s Pablo Aguilar who has four goals in his previous four international games.

Da Silva will win a record 111th cap tonight – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Uruguay are a combative side in the middle of the park with this match often referred to as the ‘garra’ derby with both sides typically agressive and physical. Of course Uruguay currently possess a lot of attacking flair, Luis Suarez will partner a Diego Forlán on a scoring streak (7 goals in 7 games in the Guacho championship) with Cavani consigned to the bench. Diego Perez is the ball winner in the middle with Lodeiro a playmaker next to him, interesting to see how that will work.

It is unlikely Paraguay can keep a cleansheet in Montevideo but with Ayala on set pieces and the generally solid formation we could be looking at a score draw.

Prediction: Arguably the Paraguayans are better when their backs are against the walls, Uruguay haven’t been clinical at home, 1-1

Uruguay XI (probable): Fernando Muslera; Maximiliano Pereira, Diego Lugano, Diego Godín, Álvaro Pereira; Álvaro González, Diego Pérez, Nicolás Lodeiro, Cristian Rodríguez; Diego Forlán, Luis Suárez.

Paraguay XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Ivan Piris, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio; Victor Ayala, Fidencio Oviedo, Cristian Riveros, Richard Ortiz, Nelson Haedo, Oscar Cardozo

SELECTED ODDS: Uruguay win 1.65; Draw 4.0; Paraguay win 6.8; 1-1 scoreline 7.8; Under 2.5 goals 1.92

BEST BET: Tough one, Uruguay too short in my opinion considering that they drew with both Venezuela and Ecuador at home so I’d look at BTTS, the celeste have just one cleansheet in their previous eight home World Cup Qualifiers
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STATS AND TRIVIA

Paraguay vs Uruguay Head-to-Head (World Cup Qualifiers)

Pld 11 W 7 D 1 L 3 GF 18 GA 8

Paraguay vs Uruguay in Montevideo (World Cup Qualifiers)

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

Paraguay last 5 World Cup Qualifiers (Away)

Pld 5 W 0 D 0 L 5 GF 2 GA 12

Paraguay last 5 (All competitions, all venues)

Pld 5 W 3 D 0 L 2 GF 7 GA 5 (on a run of three consecutive wins)

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All odds taken from Betfair Sports and are correct at the time of writing, there is a live market on the game

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)

World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay win in traditional style

Paraguay vs Peru
Estadio Defensores del Chaco
(0-0) 1-0 – Pablo Aguilar

I didn’t watch the game so am working on third-party information and the brief highlights I’ve seen, but effectively this was the Paraguay everybody wanted. Now that the fans have accepted this side is not capable of outplaying teams they just need to out-garra them, especially at home. The result represented Gerardo Pelusso’s first win as Paraguay manager and ended a run of five straight qualifying defeats. The winning goal came from the head of Pablo Aguilar, the former Luque defender has been dangerous from set pieces with his club side, Tijuana, and carried that threat into the national team.

The famous phrase is ‘Centro, Cabeza, Gol’ (Cross, header, goal) but in this case it was more ‘Cross, header, RELIEF’ as Paraguay broke the deadlock and then held firm. A gritty, determined win that, thanks to the other results last night, has kept Paraguayan qualifying hopes alive. With Uruguay and Chile both in Baumgartner-style freefall the picture could be much rosier come June 2013.

Pablo Aguilar celebrates goal – Photo: D10.com.py

Paraguay XI: Diego Barreto; Iván Piris, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio; Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Cristian Riveros, Édgar Benítez; Nelson Haedo, José Ariel Núñez

Subs: Luis Caballero for Nelson Haedo, Víctor Cáceres for José Ariel Nuñez, Jonathan Fabbro for Edgar Benítez

By Ralph Hannah

World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay vs Peru preview

Paraguay vs Peru
Defensores del Chaco
16/10/2012, 19:00 hs (23:00 BST)

Paraguay were unable to hold off Colombia’s tiger last week as they slipped to their fifth straight defeat of the qualifying campaign and Gerardo Pelusso earned the unwanted record of becoming the first ever Paraguay manager to lose his first three World Cup Qualifiers. He has a chance to make amends on Tuesday night with a home game against fellow strugglers Peru. The last meeting in Lima (where Paraguay have never won) was a 2-0 victory to Sergio Markarian’s side.

Julio Dos Santos is likely to be in the side – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay have lost two players to suspension following their bookings against Colombia, Richard Ortiz and Marcelo Estigarribia are out meaning Miguel Samudio comes in at left back while Jonathan Fabbro will start in a re-structured midfield. It seems Pelusso will go for a 4-3-1-2 formation this time as he keeps tinkering with his side, unable to find the right balance. Behind Fabbro will be his Cerro Porteño teammates Fidencio Oviedo and Julio Dos Santos with Cristian Riveros the only survivor from Friday night. Up front Luis Caballero is brought in to partner Nelson Haedo, physical presence preferred to pace as José Nuñez makes way.

Peru having ‘merienda’ on Monday – Photo: Prensa FPF @Seleccion_Peru

During the game in Lima, Markarian surprised then manager Chiqui Arce with the pace of his side particularly when pressing. Both goals that day were scored by Paolo Guerrero who was going through a purple patch having finished topscorer in the 2011 Copa America, he will be the man to watch again. Much like the game against Colombia, Paraguay must try to stop the ball arriving to Guerrero or his partner Claudio Pizarro because if either get one-on-one with their marker it will be dangerous. Having watched Markarian’s teams in away games previously, their main threat is likely to be on the counter attack so the narrow midfield that Pelusso has opted for seems to be a good tactic.

Prediction: Paraguay’s qualifying campaign has been historically bad but I can’t see another unbeaten record falling, 1-0

Paraguay XI (probable): Justo Villar; Iván Piris, Pablo Aguilar, Salustiano Candia, Miguel Samudio; Cristian Riveros, Julio Dos Santos, Fidencio Oviedo, Jonathan Fabbro; Luis Caballero, Nelson Haedo

Peru XI (probable): Raúl Fernández; Luís Advíncula, Carlos Zambrano, Alberto Rodríguez, Yoshimar Yotún; Jefferson Farfán, Luís Ramírez, Rinaldo Cruzado, Juan Vargas; Claudio Pizarro, Paolo Guerrero.

SELECTED ODDS: Paraguay win 1.93; Draw 3.65; Peru win 4.7; 1-0 scoreline 7.4; Under 2.5 goals 1.82

BEST BET: If the rains continue in Asunción then expect a soggy pitch and a dire game, unders could be the way to go here

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STATS AND TRIVIA

Paraguay have never lost to Peru on home soil

Paraguay vs Peru Head-to-Head (World Cup Qualifiers)

Pld 11 W 4 D 3 L 4 GF 14 GA 14

There is a whole blog post dedicated to stats which you can check out here.

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PARAGUAY FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Justo Villar (Estudiantes LP), Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño)

Defenders: Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca), Pablo Aguilar  (Tijuana), Gustavo Mencia (Libertad), Claudio Vargas (Luque), Iván Piris (Roma), Pedro Benítez (Cerro Porteño), Miguel Samudio (Libertad), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia), Salustiano Candia (Olimpia)

Midfielders: Víctor Cáceres (Flamengo), Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor), Hernán Pérez (Villarreal), Víctor Ayala (Lanus), Marcelo Estigarribia (Sampdoria), Julio Dos Santos (Cerro Porteño), Fidencio Oviedo (Cerro Porteño), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño), Silvio Torales (Nacional)

Strikers: José Ariel Nuñez (Libertad), Nelson Haedo (Valencia), Lucas Barrios (Guanzhou EverGrande), Édgar Benítez (Toluca), Luis Nery Caballero (Krylya Sovetov Samara)

World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay vs Peru stat pack

We have come round full circle in the qualifiers and it is time for Paraguay to play Peru again, this time in Asunción. Here we give you all the relevant stats to get clued up about the game.

Form Guide

Paraguay last 5 games

Pld 5 W 0 D 1 L 4 GF  5 GA 13

Paraguay last 5 home games

Paraguay training in Ypané – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Pld 5 W 4 D 0 L 1 GF 7 GA 4

Paraguay last 5 World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 5 W 0 D 0 L 5 GF 2  GA 12

Paraguay last 5 home World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 5 W 2 D 1 L 2 GF 4 GA 6

Head-to-Head

Paraguay vs Peru Overall

Pld 45 W 22 D 13 L 10 GF 68 GA 47

Paraguay vs Peru World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 11 W 4 D 3 L 4 GF 14 GA 14

Paraguay vs Peru World Cup Qualifiers in Asunción

Pld 5 W 4 D 1 L 0 GF 11 GA 4

Scoring

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

Pld 18 W 15 D 3 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 16 W 0 D 3 L 14 - 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 5

Roque Santa Cruz x 3

Oscar Cardozo x 2

Nelson Haedo will be hoping to find the net – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paulo da Silva x 2

Richard Ortiz

Dario Verón

Edgar Benitez

Néstor Ayala

Jonathan Fabbro

Paraguay’s goalscorers in last ten matches

Edgar Benitez x 3

Jonathan Fabbro x 2

Cristian Riveros

Oscar Cardozo

Julio Manzur

José Ortigoza

Ariel Bogado

Jonathan Santana

Ricardo Mazacotte

Hernan Perez

By Ralph Hannah

 

World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay mauled by ‘Tigre’ Falcao in Barranquilla

Another away day another tw0-goal defeat, that is five World Cup Qualifiers played outside of Paraguay and all five have ended 2-0 or 3-1. Today it was the former with both goals coming from the unstoppable Radamel Falcao, the Atletico Madrid striker had few chances but twice he lined up Paulo Da Silva one-on-one and twice he finished with his left foot to send the costeño crowd into delirium.

Falcao was the difference – Photo: D10.com.py

Paraguay didn’t play badly in the first half, Pelusso was clever with his starting line-up, plenty of pace to press from the front with Nelson Haedo and José Nuñez running themselves into the ground. He identified James Rodriguez as the dangerman in midfield and double-marked him effectively with Ivan Piris supported by the defensive-minded Victor Ayala. Paraguay even had a few chances of their own as Marcelo Estigarribia and Richard Ortiz combined well on the left and they controlled posession in midfield.

The change came in the second half, Pekerman getting the better of Pelusso, he brought on Fiorentina’s Cuadrado for Ramirez and moved ‘James’ into the middle. That was the knockout blow for Paraguay as Topo Cáceres just couldn’t cope with the Porto man who was in space again and again, the pace and attacking intent of Cuadrado on the right also kept a check on Estigarribia, the Sampdoria winger the first substitution for Luis Caballero after the goal.

Colombian fans went home happy – Photo: D10.com.py

All in all the result was expected (just see the preview) as Colombia’s defence withstood every Paraguay attack and they relied on the creativity of Rodriguez and the finishing prowess of a rampant Falcao to do the business in Barranquilla.

What next for Paraguay? Russia 2018 unfortunately.

World Cup Qualifiers: Colombia vs Paraguay Preview

Colombia vs Paraguay
Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla
12/10/2012, 17:30 hs (21:30 BST)

Last in the group, the worst goals per game average and the most goals conceded, playing in a city they have never won in, it isn’t a particularly bright horizon for Paraguay going into this game. Gerardo Pelusso was fairly conservative in his squad selection, the old warriors Nelson Haedo, Paulo Da Silva and Justo Villar all included. Although he has got rid of one hero from South Africa, Dario Verón wasn’t called up following a discussion between the two over preferred playing position.

Paulo Da Silva will have his hands full with Falcao – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

The biggest question marks were in the leaky defensive backline, hit by Antolín Alcaraz’s injury. Finally Pelusso has decided to drop the captain Justo Villar who was at fault against Venezuela in that historic loss, Cerro Porteño’s Diego Barreto is one of four domestic-based players to be included in the starting line up. The formation is something of a 4-3-3 with Cristian Riveros and Víctor Cáceres accompanied in central midfield by Fidencio Oviedo who will probably be charged with man-marking James Rodriguez. There is no place for Johnny Fabbro as the Uruguayan coach opts for pace over guile and includes José Ariel Nuñez in the side, he will probably play towards the right hand side with Nelson Haedo taking a central role and Sampdoria’s Marcelo Estigarribia on the left.

Paraguay training in Ypané – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Colombia are going through a purple patch under Pekerman having smashed Uruguay 4-0 in their previous home qualifier before travelling to Chile and blowing Borghi’s side away to win 3-1. Their top scorer is of course Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao, the tigre has been in sparkling form and it will be interesting to see how Paulo Da Silva and Pablo Aguilar in the Paraguay defence stop him, particularly when he receives the ball with his back to goal. In midfield both Rodriguez and Macnelly Torres are the creative forces that the guaraní will have to try and neutralise, probably with Oviedo and Cáceres marking while Riveros chases the ball.

Prediction: This is the best Colombian side in years and the worst Paraguayan side in at least a decade, 2-0

Paraguay XI (probable): Diego Barreto; Iván Piris, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio; Fidencio Oviedo, Víctor Cáceres, Cristian Riveros; José Ariel Nuñez, Nelson Haedo, Marcelo Estigarribia

Colombia XI (probable): David Ospina; Pablo Armero, Carlos Valdes, Mario Yepes, Camilo Zuñiga; Edwin Valencia, James Rodriguez, Aldo Leao Ramirez, Macnelly Torres; Teo Gutierrez, Radamel Falcao

SELECTED ODDS: Colombia win 1.53; Draw 4.4; Venezuela 8.0; 2-0 scoreline 6.8; Under 2.5 goals 1.81

BEST BET: Not much value in home win and Paraguay have leaked goals so Unders isn’t a sure thing, as it is the worst attack vs the best defence a Colombian win to nil currently 2.38 looks excellent value

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STATS AND TRIVIA

Paraguay have only scored twice in four games in Barranquilla and have never won there.

Paraguay vs Colombia Head-to-Head (World Cup Qualifiers)

Pld 20 W 10 D 4 L 6 GF 25 GA 20

There is a whole blog post dedicated to stats which you can check out here.

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PARAGUAY FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Justo Villar (Estudiantes LP), Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño)

Defenders: Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca), Pablo Aguilar  (Tijuana), Gustavo Mencia (Libertad), Claudio Vargas (Luque), Iván Piris (Roma), Pedro Benítez (Cerro Porteño), Miguel Samudio (Libertad), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia), Salustiano Candia (Olimpia)

Midfielders: Víctor Cáceres (Flamengo), Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor), Hernán Pérez (Villarreal), Víctor Ayala (Lanus), Marcelo Estigarribia (Sampdoria), Julio Dos Santos (Cerro Porteño), Fidencio Oviedo (Cerro Porteño), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño), Silvio Torales (Nacional)

Strikers: José Ariel Nuñez (Libertad), Nelson Haedo (Valencia), Lucas Barrios (Guanzhou EverGrande), Édgar Benítez (Toluca), Luis Nery Caballero (Krylya Sovetov Samara),

World Cup Qualifiers: Colombia vs Paraguay Stat Pack

As with all the World Cup Qualifiers before the preview we give you some stats and head-to-heads between Paraguay and their opponent, in this case Colombia. As you can see it isn’t great reading for the albirroja who also boast the worst Goals per Game average and have conceded more than anybody else in the qualifiers to date.

Form Guide

Paraguay last 5 games

Pld 5 W 1 D 1 L 3 GF  6 GA 11

Paraguay last 5 away games (neutral venue not included)

Paraguay training in Ypané – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Pld 5 W 1 D 0 L 4 GF 5 GA 11

Paraguay last 5 World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 5 W 1 D 0 L 5 GF  4 GA 11

Paraguay last 5 away World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 5 W 1 D 0 L 4 GF 4 GA 11

Head-to-Head

Paraguay vs Colombia Overall

Pld 39 W 17 D 7 L 15 GF 47 GA 45

Paraguay vs Colombia World Cup Qualifiers

Pld 20 W 10 D 4 L 6 GF 25 GA 20

Paraguay vs Colombia World Cup Qualifiers in Barranquilla

Pld 4 W 0 D 2 L 2 GF 2 GA 4

Scoring

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

Pld 18 W 15 D 3 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 15 W 0 D 3 L 12 - 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 5

Roque Santa Cruz x 3

Oscar Cardozo x 2

Nelson Haedo will be hoping to find the net – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paulo da Silva x 2

Richard Ortiz

Dario Verón

Edgar Benitez

Néstor Ayala

Jonathan Fabbro

Paraguay’s goalscorers in last ten matches

Edgar Benitez x 3

Jonathan Fabbro x 2

Cristian Riveros x 2

Oscar Cardozo

Dario Veron

Julio Manzur

José Ortigoza

Ariel Bogado

Jonathan Santana

Ricardo Mazacotte

Hernan Perez

By Ralph Hannah