Apertura 2013 Week 5: Nacional vs Olimpia and Carapeguá vs Libertad preview

A weakened Libertad side travel to Carapeguá in the early kick off which we preview below Saturday’s big match between Nacional and Olimpia.

Nacional vs Olimpia
Defensores del Chaco, Asunción
09/03/2013; 19:00 (22:00 GMT)
TV: Unicanal (Paraguay)

Gustavo Morinigio’s Nacional are second in the league having won every game but one, a heavy defeat to Cerro de Franco in the east of the country. Today they look to win their third straight game and stretch their ‘no draw’ run to 17 games. Remarkably since the previous meeting between these two in the Arsenio Erico, which Nacional won 4-1, Olimpia have won just two league games from a possible nine. They are on a run of three games without a win having lost to General Díaz before drawing their previous two matches against Rubio Ñu and most recently Deportivo Lara.

Melgarejo has got the winner in the past two games for Nacional – Photo: Prensa Club Nacional

The Academia are without Marcos Riveros which is a notable absentee in midfield, up front Ramón Cardozo is still looking for his first competitive goal for the club. Marcos Melgarejo is an excellent player and has proved his class by scoring the winner in the previous two games, both of which ended 1-0 as Moringio tries to impart some of his defensive wisdom onto the squad.

Fredy Bareiro is Olimpia’s form man – Photo: D10.com.py

Ever Almeida must be a bit concerned, three games without a win and four without a cleansheet prove that his team isn’t quite as settled as he had first hoped. Interestingly he continues with Jorge Báez at right-wingback despite the youngster’s defensive frailties, something that Melgarejo will try and expose at every opportunity. The form man has been Fredy Bareiro who can’t stop scoring, the former Libertad and Cerro man has four in four and scored two ‘golazos’ against Lara. In defence Herminio Miranda can’t play against his parent club so Julio Manzur will take his place in the back three.

Prediction: 2-1

Best Bet: BTTS with Nacional missing holding midfielder Riveros and Olimpia starting with Báez at wingback

Nacional XI (possible): Ignacio Don; Ramón Coronel, Raúl Piris, Leandro Cáceres, David Mendoza; Carlos Ruiz Peralta, Silvio Torales, Hugo Cabrera, Marcos Melgarejo; Ramón Cardozo, Julian Benítez

Olimpia XI (possible): Martin Silva; Salustiano Candia, Julio Manzur, Enrique Meza; Jorge Báez, Eduardo Aranda , Richard Ortiz, Sebastián Ariosa; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Fredy Bareiro, Juan Carlos Ferreyra

There is a live market of this game available on Betfair

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Non-Televised game…

Carapeguá vs Libertad
Estadio Municipal, Carapeguá
09/03/2013; 17:15 (20:15 GMT)
TV: Unicanal (Paraguay)

Three draws in a row for Carapeguá who know that the wonderful start by General Díaz means the newly-promoted side are no longer a likely relegation contender thus plunging them deeper into the mire. They face a Libertad side also concerned with their points total, they can’t become so enthralled with the chase for continental glory that they forget their ‘bread and butter’. Having said that the Copa Libertadores schedule is unforgiving, they leave for Lima at dawn tomorrow so most of the first team have been given a rest.

With that in mind I’m plumping for a Carapeguá win, they also won this fixture last year and so history is on their side.

Prediction: 2-1

Carapeguá XI (probable): Gustavo Arévalos; Raúl Cáceres, Rubén Maldonado, Robert Aldama, Cristian Martinez; Pedro Chavez, Jorge Britez, Michel Romero, Diego Godoy; David Pereira, Arnulfo Colmán

Libertad XI (probable): Rodrigo Muñoz; Aldo Olmedo, Gustavo Gómez, Ismael Benegas, Gustavo Mencia; Nelson Romero, Osmar Molinas, Sebastián Eguren, Néstor Camacho; Rodolfo Gamarra; Mauro Guevgeozián

For other football previews check CaStRoF’s betting tips

By Ralph Hannah

Clausura 2012: Guaraní vs Olimpia preview

Guaraní vs Olimpia
Dos Bocas
24/11/2012; 19:00 (22:00 GMT)

The oldest rivalry in Paraguayan football takes on added significance this evening with the home team holding just a one-point lead with Libertad, Nacional and even Cerro Porteño waiting in the wings. This will be the 280th clásico añejo with Guaraní winning 88 games, Olimpia victorious in 108 and 83 draws. Interestingly under this referee, Antonio Arias, Olimpia have suffered winning just 2 out of 9 meetings, Guaraní have won twice as many and there were 3 draws.

The guys at UH are always creative with their cartoons! – Photo: D10.com.py

Guarani make just one alteration from the win over Cerro de Franco, Eduardo Filippini has recovered from an injury so replaces Bartomeús, other than that it is the usual 4-4-2 formation. Diego Centurión and Dante López lead the line and their partnership has been so important in their upturn in fortunes providing 8 of their 14 goals in Dos Bocas. Olimpia remain unchanged from the side that drew with Tacuary, like their rivals hoping their strike partnership (Fredy Bareiro and Arnaldo Castorino) continues to deliver.

Guaraní have a great record at home in the Clausura 2012

This is a tough game to call, my leaning is towards Guarani who have a slightly stronger defence and a home record not to be sniffed at (7 wins out of 9). But it is worth noting their two defeats came against Libertad and Nacional so they have struggled against the bigger sides and of course there is the pressure which has definitely got to the players in recent weeks. They were five games without a win until Wednesday and Olimpia will hope to capitalise on those nerves in the early stages of the game.

Prediction: 2-1

Guaraní XI (probable): Pablo Aurrecochea; Eduardo Filippini, Luís Cabral, Elvis Marecos, Édgar Aranda; Juan Aguilar, Sergio Órteman, Marcelo Palau, Darío Ocampo; Diego Centurión, Dante López

Olimpia XI (probable): Martín Silva; Salustiano Candia, Julio Cáceres, Enrique Meza; Alejandro Silva, Sebastián Ariosa; Eduardo Aranda, Fabio Caballero, Juan Salgueiro; Fredy Bareiro, Arnaldo Castorino

Best Bet: BTTS is tempting although Olimpia keep a lot of cleansheets so the 0-1 is a possibility, maybe small stake on the home win is a better option

By Ralph Hannah

Week 11 Wrap: Form is temporary, class is permanent as big teams take maximum points

Not a single draw in the league this weekend as the favourites won every game and for the first time in a long time Olimpia, Cerro Porteño and Libertad all recorded wins to nil. Here we go through each game briefly.

Nacional vs Independiente
5-1 – Teixeira (2), Cáceres Cañete, Ruiz Peralta, D. Orué; E.Biancucchi

Nacional kept up their good record in the Estadio Arsenio Erico and are going through a good period at the moment, with three wins in their last four games. They also maintained their remarkable run against Independiente and have now put five past them in the previous three games having won 5-2 and 5-0 earlier in the year.

Guaraní vs Rubio Ñu
2-0 – Dante López, Diego Centurión

Nice collage of Guaraní’s game – Photo: Prensa Club Guaraní

The aurinegro’s wonderful campaign continues, they are eight in front of second place at the halfway stage having taken 28 from a possible 33 points. Diego Centurión has been the star scoring nine goals in eleven games with four of them, like his goal against Rubio Ñu, coming from headers. The away team’s problem has been goals, just seven so far as Chiqui Arce really misses a striker.

Luque vs Libertad
0-2 – Romero, Nuñez

Wasn’t an easy debut for the Luque keeper – Photo: Prensa Sportivo Luqueño

Luque lost their first game at home this season, which says a lot about how well Libertad are playing right now. In the preview I also mentioned the pressure on their 20-yr-old keeper who was at fault for the opening goal. The result sees Libertad join Luque in second place as they continue their chase for a spot in the 2013 Copa Libertadores.

Cerro de Franco vs Sol de América
0-1 – Cecilio Dominguez

A very good win for the danzarín who compounded Cerro de Franco to their fifth winless game the kind of form that could put them back in the danger zone. The only goal of the game was by 18-year-old Cecilio Dominguez who had come on as a sub. The teenager has already caught the eye with the Paraguay U20s side in a recent tournament.

Olimpia vs Carapeguá
3-0 – Richard Ortiz, Maxi Biancucchi, Fredy Bareiro

A win after three consecutive draws gave Olimpia fans something to cheer about, the first goal was a ‘rocket’ from Richard Ortiz who is one of the brightest young hopes in the country. Biancucchi scored a rare header while Fredy Bareiro notched the third which incidentally is his third goal in as many games. If they are to get a spot in the Copa Libertadores next year they will need ‘zorro’ Bareiro  to keep this run going.

Tacuary vs Cerro Porteño
0-2 – Nanni (2)

The Argentine veteran Roberto Nanni was the hero as El Ciclón finally ended a sequence of four consecutive league draws. He was handed an opportunity to open the scoring on the stroke of halftime when Ronald Huth inexplicably stuck out an arm in the penalty area to bring down a cross. The second goal came soon after the break, a good move involving Walter López and Julio Dos Santos culminating in Nanni’s finish. Tacuary are in freefall, they are surelty going to be relegated and in the wake of this latest result have sacked three players and sent three more to train with the youth teams.

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OFF THE BALL

Johnny Fabbro did a Mike Ashley (sort of) last night at the game, eating ice cream and posing for photos amongst Cerro fans at La Olla t – he wasn’t eligible for the game having been called up to the national team.

Staying with Cerro Porteño and they are the only team in action on international weekend, a friendly against Boca Juniors for their centenary celebrations.

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Sudamericana 2012: Emelec vs Olimpia preview

Emelec vs Olimpia
Estadio George Capwell
18/09/2012, 21:45 (02:45 BST)

1st leg: 1-0

Olimpia go into this game knowing that only a win will take them to the last 16 to play holders Universidad de Chile. It is likely to be a difficult game, Emelec know they can sit back and counter especially with somebody like Marcos Mondaini who caused havoc in the first leg when running at the Olimpia defence. El Decano must be at the very top of their game if they are to progress.

The players in Guayaquil – Photo: http://www.clubolimpia.com.py

With the onus on them to seek the victory Gregorio Perez is going for a fairly attacking XI, Alejandro Silva and Sebastian Ariosa are the most attacking full backs and will look to constantly overlap the midfielders. Fredy Bareiro is a lone striker supported by Juan Manuel Salgueiro who will be at the fulcrum of the offensive movements. Goals have been hard to come by for the Asunción-based side in recent games, apart from three against lowly Tacuary they’ve scored just twice in the last four games.

Gregorio Perez  - Photo: D10.com.py

Emelec were excellent in the first leg, they sat back and then picked off Olimpia with Mondaini an unstoppable force with teh ball at his feet. In the end it was a set piece that brought the goal but it was won by the Argentine Mondaini on one of his surging runs. The Ecuadoreans are strong at home, winning 6 of their last 8 in the George Capwell, the only defeat in that run to Barcelona in the clásico.

A hard fought game but unless Olimpia pull of a Copa Libertadores-style miracle they’ll be going out of the competition.

Olimpia XI (probable 4-4-1-1): Martín Silva; Alejandro Silva, Salustiano Candia, Enrique Meza, Sebastián Ariosa; Jorge Núñez, Eduardo Aranda, Miguel Amado, Richard Ortiz; Juan Manuel Salgueiro; Fredy Bareiro

Prediction: 2-1

Selected Odds: Emelec win 1.99, Draw 3.4,  Olimpia win 4.7, 2-1 scoreline 10.0, Over 2.5 goals 2.3

Best Bet: Tough one but the Over 2.5 goals seems a good bet with Olimpia no option but to take the game to their opponents

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Stats and Trivia

Olimpia vs Emelec Head-to-Head

Pld 7 W 2 D 2 L 3 GF 9 GA 10

Olimpia last 5 away (Continental Competitions)

Pld 5 W 0 D 2 L 3 GF 5 GA 13

Olimpia knocked Emelec out of the 2011 Copa Sudamericana at this stage

Emelec beat Olimpia in the final group game of the 2012 Copa Libertadores to take their place in 2nd round

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Full Squad List

GK: Martín Silva, Victor Centurión

DEF:  Alfredo Rojas, Julio Cesar Cáceres, Salustiano Candia, Enrique Meza, Sebastián Ariosa, Eugenio Montiel, Alejandro Silva, Richard Salinas

MID: Eduardo Aranda, Jorge Nuñez, Osvaldo Hobecker, Fabio Caballero, Richard Ortiz, Miguel Amado

ATT: Arnaldo Castorino, Nestor Bareiro, Julio Santacruz, Juan Manuel Salgueiro, Fredy Bareiro, Maxi Biancucchi

By Ralph Hannah

Author’s Note: All odds correct at the time of writing via Betfair

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