Paraguay Abroad: The Mexican Legion

With several Paraguayan players heading north during this (southern hemisphere) winter it seems a good time to inform you all of the Mexican Legion that will be on show in the Mexican Apertura that kicks off next month. Sit back and enjoy

NEW RECRUITS

Herminio Miranda (Puebla)

The 27-year-old defender has joined Puebla after four years at Paraguayan club Nacional where he picked up two league titles (2009 & 2011 Apertura). A left-footed player known for his vicious freekicks and strong challenges he is as likely to be amongst the goals as the red cards!

Stats

D.o.B: 4 April 1985

Hometown: Itá, Paraguay

Height: 1.85 metres

Position: Left back/Centre back

Previous Clubs: General Caballero, 2 de Mayo, Nacional (all Paraguay), Huachipato (Chile)

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Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca)

Technically a returning hero – the former Sunderland man couldn’t agree terms with Real Zaragoza who he helped save from relegation in Spain. Da Silva of course made his name with Toluca in México where he spent six years and picked up three winners medals. Although he struggled in the Premier League the central defender has excelled at international level winning over 100 caps for the albirroja and is impressive as a covering defender behind a more physical partner who wins the aerial battles.

Stats

Paulo Da Silva (left) is a stalwart of the national team – Photo: Prensa Selección Paraguaya

 D.o.B: 1 February 1980

 Hometown: Asunción, Paraguay

 Height: 1.81 metres

 Position: Centre back

 Previous Clubs: Atlantida, Presidente Hayes, Cerro Porteño, Sport Colombia, Libertad (all Paraguay), Perugia, Venezia (both Italy), Lanús (Argentina), Toluca (Mexico), Sunderland (England), Real Zaragoza (Spain)

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Edgar ‘Pajaro’ Benitez (Toluca)

Ok so this one is unofficial, but the pajaro will fly the nest if he can’t agree terms with Cerro Porteño where he is currently on loan. Parent club Pachuca have already stated publicly he will be a Toluca player if the Paraguayan club don’t retain his services. The 24-year-old has already enjoyed success in México scoring the crucial goal for Pachuca to win the CONCACAF Champions League in 2009/10. The left-footed winger cum striker has excelled in the domestic sphere with Cerro with  his blistering pace and tendency to run at defenders making him a real handful.

Stats

D.o.B: 8 November 1987

Hometown: Repatriación, Paraguay

Height: 1.76 metres

Position: Left winger/forward

Previous Clubs: Libertad, Sol de América, Cerro Porteño (all Paraguay), Pachuca (Mexico)

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OLD GUARD

Just a brief round-up of the guys already plying their trade in La Liga Mexicana.

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – This blog is a big fan of the diminutive forward who like Edgar Benitez has won the CONCACAF Champions League with Monterrey where he picked up a couple of league titles to boot. We featured him earlier in the season.

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) - Fredy ‘The Fox’ Bareiro is close to coming back to Paraguay possibly with Olimpia with his contract up at Tecos, however if the right deal comes through he will happily stay in the country he first moved to five years ago with León.

Fredy Bareiro could come back to Paraguay – Photo: Paraguay.com

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – The left back was a regular starter for the side who missed out on the liguilla he will hope to form a good partnership down the left with his compatrior Edgar Benítez should he stay, although Torres has been linked heavily with Uruguayan club Peñarol.

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – Paulo da Silva’s long-standing central defensive partner in the national team is recovering from a long-term injury and how PUMAS missed him towards the end of last season. He has been a pillar of the team so successful in recent years winning five trophies since joining almost a decade ago.

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Its raining goals in América & Barrios is Bundesliga bicampeón

The major news is that Borussia Dortmund were crowned Bundesliga champions for the second year running which means another title for Paraguay’s Lucas Barrios. Admittedly it hasn’t been a vintage season for the striker, according to ABC he has made just two starts this season featuring in only 327 minutes of football and scoring a solitary goal, but it is another winner’s medal for the CV as the striker looks to move on in the (European) summer.

Back on these shores and there were goals in Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela from eight Paraguayans making it nine worldwide (Cristian Riveros netted a penalty in Turkey). You can see a handy compilation video here. As ever the full details are below.

PARAGUAY ABROAD ROUND UP

EUROPE

England

Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 win – Benfica closing in on title

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) - played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) - Not in match squad

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – Not in match squad

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) - Not in match squad

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed off after 71 mins in 4-0 defeat

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – subbed off after 81 mins in 1-1 draw

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins  1-0 loss

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Unused Sub

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – SCORED penalty in 2-1 win as Kayserispor qualify for Intertoto Cup

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Injured

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – Unused Sub

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – not in match squad

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (FC Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 victory

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – Unused sub

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Unused sub

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

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – subbed off after 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) - Not in match squad

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – subbed on after 53 mins in 1-0 loss

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Federico Santander (Racing) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

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

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – Not in match squad

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw – missed out on Liguilla

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – SCORED second consecutive goal in 4-1 defeat

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – Unused sub

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 victory

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Unused sub

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 3-3 draw

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) – SENT OFF in 3-3 draw

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – subbed on after 45 mins in 3-3 draw

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – SCORED twice in 3-3 draw later SENT OFF

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – Not in match squad

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 defeat

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) - Not in match squad

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) - Not in match squad

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Not in match squad

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – Not in match squad

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – Not in match squad

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – SCORED for second game running in 5-0 victory

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – Unused sub

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – SCORED opener in 3-0 win

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused Sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – Unused sub

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED stoppage time winner in 2-1 victory

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 victory

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

German Centurion (Santa Fe) – No game at weekend

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – SCORED winner in 1-0 victory

Ecuador

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – subbed off at halftime in 2-1 loss

Librado Azcona (Independiente) - played full 90 mins in 4-1 win

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 win

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – SCORED in 4-1 win

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

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

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – Not in match squad

Perú

Edgar Gonzalez (Alianza Lima) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 loss

Mario Villasanti (Inti Gas) – KEPT CLEANSHEET in 3-0 win

Oscar Díaz (Inti Gas) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – subbed on at halftime in 2-1 defeat

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – Unused sub

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) -played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Uruguay

Edison Torres (Liverpool) – SENT OFF in 2-1 loss

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – Not in match squad

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – SCORED team’s opener in 3-2 loss

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) – Not in match squad

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Guaraní reign on other side of Chaco in Bolivia

With only Hernan Perez scoring in Europe (now has two in two for the yellow submarine) the major talking point was just north of the border in Bolivia where three of our pioneers got on the scoresheet. There was also a first league goal for ex-Rubio Ñu striker Digno Gonzalez and a goal in Chile for Rodrigo Rojas who is putting his Belgian nightmare behind him. In Argentina there were two scorers, Nestor Bareiro got an equaliser for Olimpo who went on to lose while Victor Aquino needed just five minutes as a sub to etch his name in the scorers books as Newell’s Old Boys (managed by ex-Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino) went joint top of the league. Full round up and all the goals below.

PARAGUAY ABROAD ROUND UP

EUROPE

England

Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win vs Arsenal – Wigan on incredible run to avoid relegation

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – subbed on after 62 mins in 2-1 league cup final win

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) - No game at weekend

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) - No game at weekend

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) - No game at weekend

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – No game at weekend

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – Games cancelled following death of Piermario Morosini

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) –  Games cancelled following death of Piermario Morosini

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed off after 77 mins in 1-0 victory

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – SCORED opener in 1-1 draw following his last minute winner midweek!

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in crucial 1-0 win to try and avoid relegation

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Unused Sub

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – now in SporToto Cup so hard to find line ups

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) - Not in match squad

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – Unused Sub

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – subbed off after 59 mins in 2-0 defeat

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (FC Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – No game this weekend

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – subbed on after 72 mins in 3-0 loss

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

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – subbed on after 48 mins in 1-0 win

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – SCORED last minute goal in 3-0 victory, Newell’s now joint top!

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – SCORED in 2-1 defeat

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – subbed on after 61 mins in 4-1 derby defeat

Federico Santander (Racing) – Unused sub

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

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – Not in match squad

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – subbed off at HT in 3-0 loss

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – SCORED second in 4-0 win

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – Not in match squad

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 loss

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – SCORED opener in 2-1 loss

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Unused sub

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 win

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) –  SCORED WINNER in 3-2 victory

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – subbed on after 84 mins in 3-1 win

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – subbed off after 84 mins in 3-1 win

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – Not in match squad

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 59 mins in 1-0 loss

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Not in match squad

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – Not in match squad

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – Not in match squad

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) - SCORED header in 2-1 loss

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – SUSPENDED

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused Sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – SCORED in 3-1 defeat his first goal in the Liga Postobon

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – subbed off after 83 mins in 1-1 draw

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

German Centurion (Santa Fe) – subbed on after 88 mins in 1-0 win

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – subbed off after 59 mins in 1-1 draw

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – subbed off after 70 mins in 2-0 defeat

Ecuador 

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – Not in match squad

Librado Azcona (Independiente) - CLEANSHEET  in 2-0 win now top of the league

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - played full 90 mins in 2-0 win now top of the league

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed off after 86 mins in 2-0 win now top of the league

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

Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 defeat

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – Not in match squad

Perú

Edgar Gonzalez (Alianza Lima) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

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

Oscar Díaz (Inti Gas) - played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – Not in match squad

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) - played full 90 mins in 2-0 victory

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – Unused sub

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) -played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Uruguay

Edison Torres (Liverpool) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 win, have 7 victories in last 8

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – Not in match squad

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – subbed off after 71 mins in 1-0 loss

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) - Not in match squad

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Dario Lezcano back amongst the goals in Switzerland

There were ten albirroja goalscorers outside of Paraguay’s frontiers this weekend inlcuding Robin Ramirez in Colombia, Aureliano Torres in Mexico just some of those who found the net in Latin America, while across the Atlantic there were strikes by Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Haedo Valdez in Europe, and also Dario Lezcano for Luzern in Switzerland who we focus on this week.

Player Stats

Name: Dario Lezcano

D.o.B: 30 June 1990

Club: FC Luzern, Switzerland

Hometown: Asunción, Paraguay

Height: 1.78 metres

Position: Striker

Previous Clubs: Sportivo Trinidense (Paraguay), FC Wil, FC Thun (both Switzerland)

Dario Lezcano hardly played in his native country before being whisked away to Europe aged 18 where he settled in St.Gallen and FC Wil. While not scoring he played regularly over the three years, improving as a player before getting a move to FC Thun at the beginning of 2011. There he enjoyed a successful year, scoring key goals like this equaliser against Palermo in the Europa League.

Dario Lezcano - Photo: Wikipedia.org

Earlier this year he moved on to another Swiss club, FC Luzern where he has started excellentely scoring a double in his second game against Young Boys, the second a real cracker. His equaliser against Basel this weekend has taken him to 4 goals in 8 games for his new club. A feature of his play is his strong running and power which allows to get him into the box where he is deadly with the ball at his feet. His current form can help Luzern qualify for European competition where once again Lezcano can show the continent his credentials.

PARAGUAY ABROAD ROUND UP

EUROPE

England

Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat to Chelsea

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – SCORED winner in 2-1 victory

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 victory

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Unused Sub

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) -  played full 90 mins in 2-0 win

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – SCORED opener in 3-1 win

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – Not in match squad

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 loss to Barcelona

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Unused Sub

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 5-0 win

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) - No game at weekend

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – No game at weekend

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – SCORED equaliser in 1-1 draw

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (FC Luzern) – SCORED equaliser in 1-1 draw

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – played full 90 mins in 5-2 win

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – subbed off after 56 mins in 2-1 loss

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Unused sub

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

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – subbed on after 61 mins in 1-1 draw

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – subbed on after 80 mins in 2-1 defeat

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – subbed on after 51 mins in 1-1 draw

Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed on after 70 mins in 1-1 draw

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

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – SCORED equaliser in 1-1 draw

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – SCORED opener in 2-1 loss

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – SCORED opener in 3-1 win

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – subbed on after 75 mins in 3-1 loss

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 victory

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 defeat

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Unused sub

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) –  played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – subbed on after 65 mins in 4-0 win

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – SCORED in 4-0 win

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – Unused sub

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 5-1 defeat, now lost 6 of last 7

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Unused sub

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – Not in match squad

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – Not in match squad

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – SENT OFF in 2-0 defeat

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – SCORED in 5-1 victory

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 win

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused Sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – Not in match squad

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED in 2-2 draw, now has 3 in last 4

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

German Centurion (Santa Fe) – Not in match squad

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – Not in match squad

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Ecuador 

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 win, have picked up 4 victories in last 5

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – Not in match squad

Librado Azcona (Independiente) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed off after 87 mins in 2-1 win

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

Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – played full 90 mins in3-2 win

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

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – Not in match squad

Perú

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

Oscar Díaz (Inti Gas) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – Not in match squad

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) - played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – Unused sub

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 loss

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Uruguay

Edison Torres (Liverpool) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win, have 6 victories in last 7

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – no game at weekend

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – no game at weekend

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) - no game at weekend

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Antolín Alcaraz leads the way

Wigan Atheltic’s 29-year-old central defender Antolín Alcaraz scored his first goal of the season for Wigan Athletic and his first goal in competitive football since the Copa América group game against Venezuela. The goal helped Wigan to their second consecutive win and they are now four games unbeaten as they desperately scrap for survival in the Premier League. Robin Ramirez scored again (Europe calling?) as did Miguel Angel Cuellar and Tacuarita Cardozo in Colombia, Chile and Perú. In Europe Paraguayans enjoyed plenty of success, Alcaraz, Oscar Cardozo, Nelson Haedo Valdez, Edgar Barreto, Roque Santa Cruz, Paulo Da Silva, Jorge Salinas and Aldo Adorno all participated in victories for their respective sides.

England

Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Atheltic) – SCORED in 2-0 win

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – subbed off after 64 mins in 2-1 victory

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 loss

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – subbed on in 63rd minute in 3-1 loss

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Unused Sub

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed off after 78 mins in 2-0 victory

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – Not in match squad

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – subbed on after 83 mins in 2-1 win

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Subbed on after 80 mins in 4-4 draw

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Not in match squad

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – Unused sub

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – subbed on after 74 mins in 2-1 derby win against Omonia Nicosia

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – subbed off after 84 mins in 1-0 victory over Anzhi

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – subbed of after 58 mins in 2-1 win

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (Luzern) – no game this weekend

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – subbed off after 55 mins in 5-2 win

Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – Not in Match Squad

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – subbed on after 87 mins in 2-0 victory

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – subbed off after 75 mins in 5-2 loss

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – Unused sub

Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed off after 72 mins in 2-0 defeat

Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – subbed off after 65 mins in 2-0 loss

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – subbed off at halftime in 3-1 loss

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – Not in match squad

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – subbed on at halftime in 2-1 loss

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) – Not in match squad

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – Unused sub

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – subbed off after 73 mins in 1-1 draw

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – Not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – SCORED penalty in 5-2 defeat

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) - subbed on after 75 mins in 1-0 loss

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Unused sub

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) - Not in match squad

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – Not in match squad

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – Not in match squad

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – Suspended

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – Not in match squad

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED winner in 3-2 victory

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 victory

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

German Centurion (Santa Fe) – subbed on after 88 mins in 2-1 win

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – Not in match squad

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 defeat

Ecuador 

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 win

Librado Azcona (Independiente) – CLEANSHEET in 1-0 win

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – Not in match squad

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) – subbed off after 34 mins in 3-2 win

Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Perú

Mario Villasanti (Inti Gas) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Oscar Díaz (Inti Gas) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – SCORED in 3-2 win

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – subbed off after 84 mins in 3-0 victory

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – subbed on after 86 mins in 3-0 victory

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Uruguay

Edison Torres (Liverpool) – subbed off after 70 mins in 4-2 defeat

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – not in match squad

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – no game at weekend, play tomorrow

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) - no game at weekend, play tomorrow

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Haedo Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz and Osvaldo Martinez in the goals

A good weekend for the major names as Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Osvaldo Martinez all found themselves on the scoresheet. So too did Lorenzo Melgarejo a really crucial header against Porto while over in Bolivia Pablo Escobar got a last minute equaliser for his side, The Strongest. Finally Robin Ramirez continues his excellent form with a goal against tabletopping rivals Atletico Huila.

England

Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Atheltic) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – played full 90 mins both in 0-0 league draw, and Champions League defeat to Chelsea

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – SCORED equaliser against Porto (1-1 draw) which greatly aids his parent club Benfica in title race

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – subbed on in 91st minute in 1-1 draw

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Unused Sub

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – subbed off after 88 mins in 1-1 draw, assisted Palermo’s goal

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – SCORED opener in 1-1 draw

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – Not in match squad

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – Unused sub

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Unused Sub

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused Sub

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 defeat

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – Not in match squad for league game, and an unused sub in Champions League encounter with Real Madrid

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – SCORED equaliser (1-1) coming on as a substitute against Zenit

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Unused sub

Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – Unused sub

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – subbed on after 87 mins in 2-2 draw

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – Unused sub

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – subbed off after 68 mins in 1-1 draw

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – Unused sub

Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed on after half time in 3-0 defeat

Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 loss

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – SCORED twice in 3-2 win

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – subbed on after 61 mins in 2-1 win

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – Unused sub

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 win

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Unused sub

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – Subbed off after 51 mins in 2-2 draw

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – SCORED last minute equaliser in 2-2 draw

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – Not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – Suspended

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – subbed on after 62 mins in 1-0 loss

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – not in match squad

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Unused sub

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – Not in match squad

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – Unused sub

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – rested for Copa Libertadores

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – SENT OFF in 5-2 loss

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – Unused sub

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED opener 1-1 draw with title rivals Huila

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

German Centurion (Santa Fe) – Not in match squad

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – subbed off at halftime in 1-0 victory

Ecuador 

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 3-0 loss

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win

Librado Azcona (Independiente) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 draw

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - suspended

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed on after 58 mins in 0-0 draw

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) -played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

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

Mingo Martinez (Macará) –subbed off after 92 mins in 2-0 win

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Perú

Mario Villasanti (Inti Gas) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – Not in match squad

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 defeat

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – Subbed on after 81 mins in 3-0 defeat

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 loss

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – not in match squad

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) – not in match squad

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Oscar Cardozo and Fredy Bareiro on song

Oscar Cardozo continues to find the net in Portugal, (watch out Chelsea!) while Fredy Bareiro was back on the scoresheet for Estudiantes Tecos albeit in defeat, another losing scorer was Arnaldo Vera in Ecuador. Hero of the week? That’s probably Fabio Ramos in Perú who grabbed the only goal of the game in the clásico cusqueño for Real Atlético Garcilaso who are flying surprisingly high. See the goals below!

England

Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Atheltic) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – SCORED twice and set up one in 3-1 win

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins 1-0 victory

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Unused Sub

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – Not in match squad

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 73 mins in 3-0 defeat

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – subbed on after 79 mins in 1-0 loss, manager left club after fifth game without a win

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – Not in match squad

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Unused Sub

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – started game in progress

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused Sub

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – Unused Sub

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss, Rubin now five without a victory

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – subbed on after 74 mins in 3-1 defeat

Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – Unused sub

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – subbed on after 84 mins in 1-0 win

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – Not in match squad

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – Unused sub

Federico Santander (Racing) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 victory

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

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – SCORED a late consolation in 2-1 defeat

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured midweek in CONCACAF Champions League – FUERZA DARIO!

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 loss

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – subbed off after 49 mins in 2-0 win

Ever Milton Cantero (Bolivar) – Not in match squad

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – No game this week

Alexander David Meza (Nacional Potosí) – Not in match squad

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 4-2 loss

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Milciades Ramon Silva (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Pedro Anibal Sosa (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) - played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – No game this week

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – No game this week

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – No game this week

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – Not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – SENT OFF in 3-2 defeat

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 74 mins in 2-0 loss

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – not in match squad

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – not in match squad

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 74 mins in 2-0 win

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – subbed off after 87 mins in 2-1 win

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 win

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – subbed off after 59 mins in 1-1 draw

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – subbed off after 77 mins in 1-1 draw

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

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

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – subbed off after 87 mins in 0-0 draw

Ecuador 

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 4-1 defeat

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – not in match squad

Librado Azcona (Independiente) – KEPT THIRD CLEANSHEET in four games in 0-0 draw

Azcona in action, he's been in good form - Photo: El Universo (Ecuador)

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - suspended

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed on after 58 mins in 0-0 draw

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) - subbed on after 46 mins in 1-1 draw

Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – SCORED a penalty in 4-1 loss

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – subbed on after 46 mins in 2-1 defeat

Perú

Mario Villasanti (Inti Gas) – No game as scheduled to play withdrawn Universidad San Martín side

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – subbed off after 46 mins in 3-2 defeat

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – SCORED winner in 1-0 victory

Daniel Ferreira (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – Unused sub

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 win

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – not in match squad

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – subbed off after 41 mins in 2-1 win

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) – not in match squad

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Stellar performances in Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Bolivia

What a positive weekend for the Paraguayans abroad, while established stars such as Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios, Antolín Alcaraz and Marcelo Estigarribia didn’t taste victory it was left to some of our other 80 pioneers to shine. Lorenzo Melgarejo may have been on the losing side but he is hitting the headlines in Portugal thanks to another impressive display, over in Argentina Nestor Ortigoza scored a crucial penalty for San Lorenzo as they shake off relegation fears. Another out of favour (with Chiqui at least) albirroja Auerliano Torres got his name on the scoresheet in Mexico while ex-Olimpia striker Pablo Escobar netted in Bolivia. Over in Colombia, Once Caldas forward Jorge Nuñez added one to his tally. Arguably the stars of the week were in Chile, Cristian Bogado bagged a brace for Deportes Iquique, David Portillo scored the only goal of the game for Antofagasta while Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar grabed a last minute winner for Universidad Católica. Below their individual efforts, first a goals montage here.

Paraguayan fans at the Paços de Ferreira vs Benfica game,Photo: Sport Lisboa e Benfica (facebook)

England

Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Atheltic) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – subbed off in last minute in 2-1 win

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat but hailed as star of the show in local press, watch his stinging volley here and his run and shot here

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Not in match squad

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat, they have lost 4 of last 5

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 74 mins in 3-2 defeat

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – Not in match squad

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 loss

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Not in match squad

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused Sub

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – subbed on after 79 mins in 1-0 win, Champions League quarter finalists have won four consecutive games

Russia

Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Slovakia

Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – subbed off after 83 mins in 1-0 loss

Switzerland

Dario Lezcano (Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Unused Sub

Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – subbed off after 61 mins in 5-4 loss (worth checking this video!)

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – subbed off after 76 mins in 1-0 defeat

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – Unused sub

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – Not in match squad

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – Unused sub

Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed off in 3-0 victory with nasty head injury, he’s recovering now.

Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – SCORED winning goal, a penalty, 2-1 victory

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw (first start for a while)

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – SCORED in 2-1 away win

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Bolivia

Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – subbed on after 45 mins in 2-1 loss

Ever Milton Cantero (Bolivar) – Not in match squad

Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – subbed off after 45 mins in 2-0 defeat

Alexander David Meza (Nacional Potosí) – Not in match squad

Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 victory

Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Milciades Ramon Silva (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Pedro Anibal Sosa (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad

Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – subbed off after 77 mins in 1-1 draw

Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – SCORED opener from the penalty spot in 1-1 draw

Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – Unused Sub

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - SCORED only goal of the game

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – Not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 loss

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 83 mins in 3-1 defeat

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 84 mins in 3-1 defeat

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – subbed on after 83 mins in 3-1 defeat

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Not in match squad

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) - SCORED twice in 4-0 victory

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 73 mins in 3-1 win

Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – subbed on after 74 mins in 2-1 defeat

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – SCORED late winner in 2-1 victory

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused squad

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – subbed off after 68 mins in 1-0 win

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – subbed off after 79 mins in 3-1 win

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

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

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – SCORED in 4-0 win

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – Not in match squad

Ecuador 

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 4-1 defeat

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – no league game, played full 90 mins in 1-0 Copa Libertadores loss to Flamengo

Librado Azcona (Independiente) – KEPT CLEANSHEET in 1-0 win

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - SENT OFF in 1-0 win

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed on after 77 mins in 1-0 win

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) - subbed on after 46 mins in 1-1 draw

Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – Not in match squad

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – Suspended

Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Perú

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

Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 win

Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – subbed off after 80 mins in 2-2 draw

Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 victory

Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 loss

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – not in match squad

Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) – not in match squad

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: Special thanks to @Timuka for the list of Bolivian players, @davemhz for the Venezuela additions and @rfam for the material on Lorenzo Melgarejo

Paraguay Abroad: Robin Ramirez conquering Colombia

This week we look at Robin Ramirez who notched up his fourth goal in five games for his new club, the 22-year-old’s performances have helped propel Deportes Tolima are joint top of the league.

Player Stats

Name: Robin Ramirez

D.o.B: 11 November 1989

Club: Deportes Tolima, Colombia

Hometown: Ciudad del Este, Paraguay

Height: 1.71 metres

Position: Striker

Previous Clubs: Libertad (Paraguay), Rubio Ñu (Paraguay)

Robin Ramirez is a natural goalscorer, this four in five games follow his 12 (second topscorer) in the 2011 Paraguay Apertura with Rubio Ñu before getting four in seven starts for Libertad in the Clausura. His form earned him an international call up in Chiqui Arce’s first competitive game and guess what…he scored.

Robin Ramirez for the Albirroja

Ramirez is a versatile striker who can play on the shoulder of the last defender or as a ‘false 9’ – he has acceleration, good close control but above all an instinctive awareness of space and fantastic movement. His positioning means he is both a creator and scorer of goals and it was a surprise when Libertad let him go to Colombia when surely European football was within his grasp.

At just 22 there is plenty more to come from this exciting striker who has been one of the top Paraguay Abroad performers in 2012!

PARAGUAY ABROAD ROUND UP

EUROPE

England

Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 stalemate, Wigan now three games unbeaten

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – played full 90 mins 0-0 draw, Benfica on worst run since August 2010

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – subbed off after 79 mins in 2-0 defeat

Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Unused sub

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Not in match squad

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 loss

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – subbed off at half time in 1-1 draw with Milan

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 60 mins in 1-1 draw

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – subbed on after 81 mins in 2-2 draw

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in 5-1 loss, scored own goal

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – subbed on after

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss,  the side are 5 games without a win now

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused sub

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – not in match squad

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – subbed off after 37 mins (following red card for teammate) in 2-1 win

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – play tonight

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – subbed on after 71 mins in 2-1 loss

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 defeat

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – played ful 90 mins in 2-1 loss

Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed on after 67 mins in 2-1 loss, could start next game following Gutierrez’s red card

Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – suspended for 5 yellow cards

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – not in match squad

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 defeat

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – not in match squad

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – SCORED team’s only goal in 4-1 defeat, now has 3 in 4 games

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 83 mins in 3-0 win

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – subbed on after 85 mins in 3-0 win

Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Unused sub

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 77 mins in 1-0 loss

Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – subbed off after 65 mins in 2-2 draw

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win their first of Apertura

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused Sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – not in match squad

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED winner in 1-0 victory over Atlético Nacional (see above)

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – kept CLEANSHEET in 1-0 win over Atlético Nacional

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – not in match squad

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

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – not in match squad

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Ecuador 

Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – not in match squad

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

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) – not in match squad

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

Librado Azcona (Independiente) – kept CLEANSHEET in 3-0 win

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

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – not in match squad

Perú

Mario Villasantti (Inti Gas) – No games this week still

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

By Ralph Hannah

Paraguay Abroad: Goals across the world from Serie A to Chilean Primera

This week our list of players keeping the Paraguayan end up abroad contributed to ten wins and scored six goals, the honour roll is Edgar Barreto, Digno Gonzalez, Robin Ramirez, Nestors Bareiro and Ortigoza and Hugo Lusardi (worth checking out his goal below).

PARAGUAY ABROAD ROUND UP

EUROPE

England

Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic) – No game this weekend.

Portugal

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat, their first of the season!

Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad

Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Not in match squad

Italy

Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – SCORED his first goal for the club in 5-1 rout of Lazio

Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad

Spain

Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 69 mins in 2-0 victory, Betis have now won three on the bounce

Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – subbed on after 82 mins in 4-0 loss

Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat

Germany

Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – started for the first time in a while, subbed off after 77 mins in 1-0 victory

Turkey

Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 3-3 draw, the side are 4 games without a win now

Holland

Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused sub

Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins and kept a cleansheet in 3-0 win

Cyprus

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – Unused sub, on his way back from injury

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina

Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Unused sub

Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 victory

Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – Unused sub

Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – SCORED in last minute in 4-1 win

Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat

Federico Santander (Racing) – unused sub

Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – SCORED from the penalty spot in 1-1 draw

Mexico

Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – not in match squad

Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – subbed off after 67 mins in 3-1 win, the club are now up to 4th spot

Dario Verón (PUMAS) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat

Chile

José David Portillo (Antofagasta)  - subbed off after 46 mins  in 1-0 loss

Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – subbed off after 55 mins in 4-2 defeat

Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – SCORED a stunning left-foot volley in 4-2 win

Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 4-2 win

Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – Not in match squad

Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – subbed on in 71st min in 2-0 win

Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) - CLEANSHEET in 2-0 win, their first in 6 games

Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 85 mins in 4-2 loss

Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win

Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused sub

Colombia

Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – SCORED on his debut in the Copa Colombia in midweek, was subbed on after 80 mins in 1-0 league loss at weekend

Digno celebrates his first goal Photo: Digno Gonzalez facebook

Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED opening goal in 1-1 draw

Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw

Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad

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

Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – subbed off after 75 mins in 1-0 defeat

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – subbed off in 91st minute in 1-1 draw

Ecuador – LEAGUE SUSPENDED DUE TO REFEREE’S STRIKE!

Mingo Martinez (Macará)

Fernando Gimenez (Emelec)

Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca)

Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito)

Librado Azcona (Independiente)

Edgar Balbuena (Independiente)

Richard Estigarribia (Independiente)

Perú

Mario Villasantti (Inti Gas) – caught up in player’s strike

Mario meets Paraguay Football in Peru before the player's strike

Venezuela

Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – Not in match squad

By Ralph Hannah