Paraguay Abroad: Haedo and Cardozo make their mark in Iberia, Adorno hattrick for APOEL

There were a bunch of goals in South America this weekend including a Paraguay Abroad promotion in Chile; more on all that below as we kick off with the goals in Europe most notably Oscar Cardozo and Nelson Haedo in Portugal and Spain.

SPAIN

Nelson Haedo (Valencia) came on in the dying embers of the game against Atletico Madrid but still found time to score, making a good diagonal run to pick up Feghouli’s through ball and finish.

Roque Santa Cruz (Malaga) was also a substitute, coming on at halftime but his team lost at home 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano.

PORTUGAL

Oscar Cardozo found the net twice for Benfica in a 3-0 win, their fourth consecutive league victory. He scored once with a header and the other was a penalty.

Defenders Lorenzo Melagerjo (Benfica) and Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) didn’t play at the weekend.

ITALY

Ivan Piris overcame Edgar Barreto in the all-Paraguayan contest in Serie A on Sunday, the right back’s Roma side won out 4-1 in the capital as the Sicilians struggle continues. Palermo are now five games without a win.

Marcelo Estigarribia (Sampdoria) knows how his compatriot Barreto is feeling, a home defeat to Atalanta marked their fourth straight loss in the Calcio.

CYPRUS

Aldo Adorno (APOEL) scored his second hattrick of the season as Ayia Napa were thrashed 4-1.

REST OF EUROPE

It was a bad day at the office for Luis Caballero and Pablo Zeballos as Krylya Sovetov were thumped 5-0 by Spartak Moscow. Happier times for Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) who celebrated a much-needed 3-0 win. Dario Lezcano was involved for the full game as Luzern battled back to get a draw in the basement clash with Servette. Jorge Salinas got a short run out for Legia Warsaw as they won 2-1 away in Gdansk.

LATIN AMERICA

CHILE

Former Olimpia striker Cristian Bogado scored twice for Deportes Iquique but it wasn’t enough to save them from defeat, they went down 4-2 at home to Unión Española. It was the same story for the Misionense defender David Portillo (Antofagasta) who netted an equaliser only for his team to lose 2-1 to Colo Colo, the latter now top of the table.

However, Adam Brandon reports of happier news from Arica where Jose Pedrozo was crowned Primera B title with San Marcos de Arica. Adam says “the defender played a major part in the second half of the year and helped Arica finally win promotion after 27 years!” Let’s hope Pedrozo remains calm, the last time he was in the Primera (with Rangers) he managed to pick up a 27-game suspension for assaulting a referee!

COLOMBIA

Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) is doing well this year, he nodded home in the first minute against Boyacá Chico for his 14th goal of 2012.

Deportes Tolima with Antony Silva in goal and Robin Ramirez coming off the bench managed to win 2-1 to keep their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.

URUGUAY

Left back Aureliano Torres (Peñarol) scored what proved to be the winner racing onto a cross to score the second in a 2-1 win over Defensor Sporting. That victory extends the Carbonero’s winning streak to five games and keeps them top of the table.

REST OF LATIN AMERICA

The final game for the Peruvian title is already decided with Real Atletico Garcilaso and Sporitng Cristal with unassailable leads in their respective groups. Garcilaso count on the services of Fabio ‘Pitu’ Ramos who has formed a good partnership with Andy Pando this season. Former Luque player Daniel Ferreira is also on their books but hasn’t been in the side since July.

In Mexico Osvaldo Martinez was sent off for Atlante in the final minutes of their encounter with León, they lost 3-2.  The win sees León close in on leaders Tijuana who have drawn four games on the bounce, their star defender has been Pablo Aguilar.

Claudio Morel (Independiente) was injured early on as his side lost to Victor Ayala’s Lanús, the latter are climbing up the table but it is Newell’s Old Boys who lead, managed by ex-Paraguay manager Tata Martino and with full back Marcos Cáceres in their ranks.

Paraguay vs Argentina – World Cup Qualifying History

Paraguay will face Argentina for the 15th time World Cup Qualifying in what is set to be an historic encounter, the first ever meeting outside of the respective capital cities. There is good reason for the venue switch, the last five qualifiers in Buenos Aires have ended in a draw meaning the last albiceleste win on home soil was 1973.

The albirroja treat this game as their superclásico, while the rivalry with Brazil is also big for historical reasons the Paraguayans have many more links with their opponents south of the border. Not just the shared language, there are shared blood-ties with an estimated 500,000 Paraguayans living and working in Argentina and several Argentine-born players have represented the Guaraní in recent years.

Paraguay prepare for battle – Photo: D10.com.py

The natural neighbourly rivalry has been increased recently by several spats – Cristina Kirchener led the move to suspend Paraguay from the free trade bloc Mercosur. Then there was the curious case of Moria Casán, an Argentinian celebrity who is accused of stealing jewelry after a show in Paraguay and has been criticised locally for subsequent comments. Also an inflammatory ‘opinion piece’ last month about the nationalization of Argentinian-born players on a website I’ve written for previously (to my huge embarrassment) provoked an angry reaction in Paraguay.

Anyway, now we’ve established this is a clásico (at least from one team’s perspective) we return to the footballing history. The first qualifier between the sides was in Buenos Aires in 1965 with Argentina winning comfortably before a goalless draw in Asunción. It was a repeat for the 1974 Qualifiers when the nations tied in Asunción with Argentina winning in Buenos Aires to qualify at Paraguay’s expense.

That was the last time Argentina would win at home.

1994 World Cup Qualifiers

The teams were thrown together again for the USA ’94 qualifiers with Paraguay losing at home for the first time to the albiceleste, the game is also remembered as the only international goal for ex-Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo which you can see below.

The return game later that month finished 0-0 in the Estadio Monumental, once again Argentina went to the World Cup while Paraguay watched on the TV.

1998 World Cup Qualifiers

There were big changes for France ’98 – firstly CONEMBOL decided to put the 9 competing teams together (Brazil qualified as holders) in one big league and so began the marathon qualification format that prevails today. Secondly Paraguay had welcomed in a golden generation of players, including Chiqui Arce, Carlos Gamarra and José Saturnino Cardozo – not to mention of course their talismanic goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert who made history in Buenos Aires, the first ever goalkeeper to score in a World Cup Qualifier much to the disbelief of the Argentine commentators.

While that game ended in a 1-1 draw, Paraguay were beaten at home 2-1 but it is also worth noting that the guaraní goalscorer that day was Buenos Aires-born Roberto Acuña, in case you were thinking nationalization is a relatively new phenomenon.

2002 World Cup Qualifiers

The Argentines were almost unstoppable under Marcelo Bielsa, finishing top of the qualification standings with 43 points and losing just once to Brazil away. I say almost unstoppable because during that period there was only one team they were unable to beat neither home nor away, that was of course plucky Paraguay.

A 1-1 draw in Buenos Aires was followed by a 2-2 draw in Asunción. Once again Roberto Acuña scored against the country of his birth in his native city while the game in the Defensores del Chaco also saw Chilavert score (this time from the penalty spot). Paraguay led three times over the two games but that elusive victory still escaped them…

2006 World Cup Qualifiers

03/09/2005 – HISTORY IS MADE – Paraguay win their first qualifier against the old enemy, a 14th minute strike from Roque Santa Cruz was enough to separate the sides. The goal came after the albirroja blew away their opponents in the opening stages and in the second half they were able to hold onto their lead following Gabriel Heinze’s red card.

The earlier meeting in Buenos Aires was nothing to write home about – Paraguay (reduced to ten men on the hour) showed plenty of grit to hold out for a goalless draw against a home strikeforce of Carlos Tevez, Javier Saviola and Hernan Crespo.

2010 World Cup Qualifiers

The customary Buenos Aires stalemate took place in 2008 with that man Heinze helping Paraguay again (his comic own goal put them ahead) before Carlos Tevez received his marching orders after half an hour.  Sergio Aguero equalised on the hour after combining well with Lionel Messi.

The sweetest of victories was then recorded in front of a raucous crowd in September 2009 when a bit of Salvador Cabañas magic set up Nelson Haedo Valdez who walloped the ball in with his left foot. The win secured Paraguay’s qualification for their fourth straight World Cup and even better it ensured they would finish above Argentina in the table for the first time since its introduction.

Later in the week we’ll have a full stats pack for the game followed by the standard pre-match preview on Friday.

By Ralph Hannah

International Friendly: Guatemala vs Paraguay preview

Guatemala vs Paraguay
Robert F.Kennedy Memorial Stadium
15/08/2012, 18.15 hs (23.15 hs BST)

For the third time this year Paraguay and Guatemala go head-to-head in an international friendly, the first game in Luque was won 2-1 by the albirroja with the ’2nd leg’ in the Guatemala City also a victory for the South Americans. Now they meet on neutral ground, in Washington DC, in a game that represents Gerardo Pelusso’s first chance to look at his players.

The first game in Luque finished 2-1 to Paraguay

At Olimpia the Uruguayan coach usually lined his team up in a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 formation but with the national team recently there has been a problem scoring goals, Martino managed an average of 1.1 goals per game and while Chiqui Arce increased that return to 1.4 in his 12 official games it was heavily reliant on goals from set pieces and penalties. With that in mind Pelusso has looked to the recently-nationalized Jonathan Fabbro who will make his international debut aged 30. While some readers may be more aware of his girlfriend (strongly advise male readers to click this link)  the Argentinian native who has taken Paraguayan nationality having lived here for five years is a class act. He isn’t a traditional South American playmaker, he’s too tall (1.88 metres) and strong and has more defensive ability than a typical ’10′, but he can’t be considered a striker either as he rarely finds himself in the penalty area. Undoubtedly his great strengths are shots from distance and vicious free kicks but he needs to get the best out the striker he plays with, most likely to be Oscar Cardozo with Lucas Barrios (injury) and Nelson Haedo (given leave to sign for Valencia) unavailable.

In the previous two meetings with Guatemala it is clear that Paraguayan coach Ever Almeida are well organised and comfortable in possession but lack any killer punch. The conduit is Marco Pappa in midfield who plays in the United States and scored a late equaliser against USMNT in their previous competitive game. La Albirroja have successfully neutralised his threat the past two games and it is likely they’ll be able to do so again and win this game to nil.

Pelusso points the way in training – Photo: Prensa Selección Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol

PREDICTION: Paraguay are too good on paper and will want to impress their new coach, 0-2

SELECTED ODDS: Guatemala win 7.4, Draw 5.2, Paraguay win 1.39, Under 2.5 goals 2.08, 0-2 scoreline 6.8

BEST BET: Not much value in the win, one possibility is ‘Paraguay win to nil’ or maybe spread the final score market with 0-1, 0-2 and 0-3 all possibilities

Paraguay XI probable (4-2-3-1)

Justo Villar; Dario Verón, Antolin Alcaraz, Paulo Da Silva, Richard Ortiz; Víctor Cáceres, Cristian Riveros; Hernan Perez, Jonathan Fabbro, Marcelo Estigarribia; Oscar Cardozo

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STATS

Paraguay record vs Guatemala: Pld 8 W 7 D 1 L 0 GF 17 GA 6

Paraguay in the United States (since 2005): Pld 5 W 1 D 0 L 4 GF 5 GA 11  - their only win came against the USA

Time of first Paraguay goal in last five games: 82, 6, 88, 34, 44

Paraguay have kept NINE cleansheets in their previous ELEVEN friendlies

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Full Squad list

GK: Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteño), Antony Silva (Tolima), Justo Villar (Estudiantes)

DEF: Paulo Da Silva (Pachuca), Darío Verón (Pumas), Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic), Pedro Benítez (Cerro Porteño), Carlos Bonet (Cerro Porteño), Miguel Samudio (Libertad), Richard Ortiz (Olimpia)

MID: Víctor Cáceres (Flamengo), Hernán Pérez (Villarreal), Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor), Marcelo Estigarribia (Sampdoria), Osvaldo Martínez  (Atlante), Julio Dos Santos (Cerro Porteño), Marcos Riveros (Nacional), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño)

ATT: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Óscar Cardozo (Benfica), Edgar Benítez (Toluca)

** Nelson Haedo (Valencia) and Lucas Barrios (Guangzhou Evergrande) were called up but subsequently pulled out

By Ralph Hannah

Authors Note: All odds correct at time of writing via Betfair

Paraguay Abroad: Nelson Haedo joins Valencia on loan

Nelson Haedo is one of Paraguay’s most beloved players for his hard running, never-say-die attitude on the pitch matched by a genuine rags to riches story off it. While Sid Lowe’s wonderful piece from a few years back covers the latter here are the facts and stats on Valencia’s latest signing.

Nelson Haedo Valdez

Nelson Haedo Valdez after THAT goal vs Argentina

D.o.B: 28 November 1983

Height: 1.78 metres

Position: Forward

Club: Valencia (Spain)

Former Clubs: Tembertary (Paraguay), Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund (both  Germany), Hercules (Spain), Rubin Kazan (Russia)

 International Caps: 59

International Goals: 12

The striker was plucked from obscurity at the turn of the century by German club Werder Bremen having been spotted in the Paraguayan Intermedia. Haedo Valdez has never been a great scorer of goals nor a scorer of great goals, his strength lies in his stamina and determination that allows him to support teammates and create spaces from his constant running. With that in mind he is wasted as a lone striker where he was used occassionally in the national team and at Valencia will have to be used in conjunction with somebody like Roberto Soldado or Pablo Piatti. Nelson will run, take defenders away, break down attacks while his striker partner can poach to their heart’s content.

The striker is a hero in his native Paraguay and is seen as the epitomy of the Garra Guaraní which he displays every  time he pulls on the albirroja. Such is his desire to do well for the national team he often plays much better than some of his more talented compatriots, in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers he scored five goals, only Salvador Cabañas (6) managed more in Paraguay’s campaign.  The most memorable of which has to be the only goal against Diego Maradona’s Argentina, capping an excellent passing move. A man for the big occassion he scored against Brazil in last year’s Copa América and was desperately close to knocking out Spain in the 2010 World Cup (his first-half strike was ruled out for offside).

In Russia Nelson Haedo Valdez has enjoyed success on the field with Rubin Kazan, winning the Russian Cup and Russian Super Cup, but he always struggled to adapt to the life and the climate. On a trip back to Paraguay with the national team he told local radio “It’s so cold even your snot freezes” when talking about the harsh conditions. Now in warmer climes he should be more at home; regardless of the weather Valencia have got a player who will give it his all as it is the only way he knows how.

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

International Friendly: Ten-man Paraguay edge out Panama

Paraguay vs Panama
Estadio General Pablo Rojas a.k.a La Olla
(0-0) 1-0 – Jonathan Santana ’87

A late goal from substitute Jonathan Santana, his first international goal in 32 appearances, was enough to earn the Albirroja a victory over Panama despite having played most of the match with ten men. Cerro Porteño’s stadium welcomed 9,554 fans who expected nothing less than an easy win, especially with the presence of the much feted World Cup stars (or mundialistas in local vernacular). But rather than an exhibition of flowing football they were ‘treated’ to the most traditional of Paraguayan qualities, hard graft as the ten men in red and white presented Chiqui Arce with his sixth win after ten games in charge.

Paraguay Football at the match

Paraguay lined-up as a 4-4-2 but as expected Osvaldo Martinez was given license to cut inside and try and create things for his forwards, Jorge Mendoza found himself on the left but being a natural right footer he tried to cut in making Paraguay rather narrow at times. The home team were patient in possession and it seemed Arce was finally getting his message across, that was until the 16th minute. Victor ‘Topo’ Caceres was sent off for an alleged elbow (Paraguay Football still hasn’t seen the replays) and at that point Arce might as well have thrown his notebook over the stadium fence. The game was no longer about tactics, strategy, plans for Bolivia (their next competitive international) but about clinging on and not losing at home to a desperately poor opposition.

Panama with a rare attacking opportunity

Panama were so poor in fact, that Paraguay had no problem keeping possession with ten men, the difficulty was penetration in the final third as Lucas Barrios and more often Nelson Haedo Valdez were isolated with full backs unable to support and Cristian Riveros now having to hold in central midfield instead of push forward. Haedo Valdez playing as a right winger cum striker (he generally runs enough for two positions so this wasn’t a major problem) was excellent in holding up the ball but rarely found the target when in a position to score. Barrios, justifiably tired having only arrived the morning before the game, only had one chance of merit a bicycle kick wide.

In the second half the game became disjointed with substitutions and quite incredibly Panamanian attempts to time waste (a professional team with an extra man trying to draw 0-0 in a game where the result doesn’t matter  is a frustrating sight) but Paraguay kept at their game plan, keep possession and don’t panic. The introduction of José Ortigoza up front gave the local team more of a target up front and he had a wonderful headed chance following Victor Ayala’s (another substitue) teasing cross.

The trophy only Paraguay seemed to want to win

With 15 minutes to go the excellent Osvaldo Martinez was withdrawn for Reinaldo Ocampo and Eric Ramos came on in the middle for Riveros as Paraguay hoped to inject more pace into the game. It was pace that clinched this friendly win for them, Edgar Benitez is fast becoming Arce’s star man and the Cerro Porteño forward danced his way into the box to slide a pass to Jonathan Santana the Libertad man made no mistake.

Paraguay XI: J.Villar; C.Bonet, A.Alcaraz, P.Da Silva, M.Samudio; O.Martinez, V.Caceres, C.Riveros, J.Mendoza; N.Haedo Valdez, L.Barrios

Subs: E.Benitez for L.Barrios, J.Ortigoza for N.Haedo Valdez, V.Ayala for C.Bonet, R.Ocampo for O.Martinez, E.Ramos for C.Riveros, J.Santana for J.Mendoza

Red Card: Victor Caceres ’16

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OFF THE BALL

Paraguay U17s give us a goal fest

As is common in Paraguay the main course that is the senior side is preceeded by a youthful starter, the U17s continued their preparation under Mauro Caballero with a 7-1 thrashing of a Guaireña selection having draw 2-2 last week with Ovetense. Cristian Vargas was strong up front again and in central midfield Angel Benitez and Rene Obregon seemed much more athletic than their hapless opponents. As Paraguay used all their subs it gave them more energy and a flurry of goals at the end much in part to replacement left winger Angel Marecos, lovely balance and speed.

Paraguay U17s XI: M.Mereles; R.Alvarenga, A.Duarte, D.Marín, J.Sanabria; M.Gonzalez, A.Benitez, R.Obregón, M.Durán; F.Gonzalez, C.Vargas

Subs: L.Caballero, A.Vera, R.Tandi, L.Acosta, A.Marecos, D.Toledo, A.Torres

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Napout no comment on friendlies

After the game, the president of the Paraguayan FA, Juan Angel Napout said “I have no opinion” about the quality of the opposition. Paraguay since the World Cup Quarter Final have played friendlies against the likes New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras and Bolivia. The only European team they’ve faced is Romania in Asunción although it was a weakened side.

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1-0 to the Albirro

Last night’s win was the 22nd 1-0 win by Paraguay in their 177 home games, it is the most common scoreline.

By Ralph Hannah