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.
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.
Tacuary vs Olimpia Estadio Defensores del Chaco (0-0) 0-0
Olimpia, with nine wins in their last 11 games against Tacuary, just couldn’t break down the stubborn resistance of the bottom club in a frustrating 90 minutes for the league leaders. El Decano lined up in the same 4-3-3 formation that beat Libertad in midweek with seemingly Russian-bound Luis Caballero and Pablo Zeballos up front alongside Maxi Biancucchi. For Tacuary they had Gregor Aguayo back from a six-month suspension although another four teammates had been left out for poor performance and possible indiscipline during the concentración.
Servín (left) and Richard Ortiz (middle) were protagonists – Photo: D10.com.py
Surprisingly it was Tacuary who had the first chance, after just two minutes their best outfield player Jorge Ortega forced a good save from Martin Silva when the ball fell to him in the box. The nominal home side were defeinding well, in the first 20 minutes Olimpia were restricted to long shots and their set piece delivery wasn’t troubling the Tacuary goal. In fact Tacuary should have gone ahead, veteran Raul Román stung Silva’s hands with a half volley on the edge of the area and the loose ball fell to Ortega in the box, his shot was pushed away by a wonderful reaction save by the big Uruguayan goalkeeper. Olimpia’s best chances in the first half came from Richard Ortiz’s head, firstly after 29 minutes a wonderful cross from Eduardo Aranda found the Paraguay international but Carlos Servín pulled off an excellent save to turn the ball away for a corner. On 43 minutes Servín made another incredible stop this time with just one hand as Eugenio Montiel’s cross had found Ortiz unmarked in the box.
Roque Santa Cruz was in the crowd to watch his brother Julio - Photo: D10.com.py
Olimpia began the second half as they’d finished the first, Maxi Biancucchi flashing a shot wide after 54 minutes but in general they were struggling to keep the ball and lacked ideas in the final third. In general moves broke down on the edge of the Tacuary area but Biancucchi did finally worm his way into the box after 65 minutes before being felled by a robust tackle, replays suggest that it should have been a penalty. The introduction of Alberto Contrera seemed to work for Olimpia as the winger began getting balls into the penalty area, central defender Salustiano Candia could have profited from one such cross but his diving header was inches wide. In the final minutes there was another chance as a corner was allowed to bounce twice in the six yard box but Tacuary managed to avert danger with no Olimpia player able to make a telling connection. Roque Santa Cruz was in the crowd to watch his younger brother Julio make his debut, although the striker didn’t carve out an opportunity for himself. Fittingly the final chance of the game arrived at Richard Ortiz’s head on 92 minutes, once again he met a corner in terrific fashion but as the ball flew past Servín it also sailed over the bar.
Tacuary XI: Carlos Servín; Gustavo Giménez, Marcos Acosta Pera, Diego Viera, Gregor Aguayo; Pablo Espinoza, Marcos Giménez, Marcos Acosta Rojas, Gerardo Benítez; Raúl Román; Jorge Ortega
Subs: Ever Ortíz for Gerardo Benítez, Lorenzo Silva for Marcos Acosta Rojas, Fernández for Raúl Román
Olimpia XI: Martín Silva; Renzo Revoredo, Francisco Nájera, Salustiano Candia, Eugenio Montiel; Eduardo Aranda, Miguel Amado, Richard Ortíz, Pablo Zeballos; Maximiliano Biancucchi, Luis Caballero
Subs: Osvaldo Hobecer for Eduardo Aranda, Alberto Contrera for Eugenio Montiel, Julio Santa Cruz for Maxi Biancucchi
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Guarani vs Sol Estadio Dos Bocas (0-1) 2-1 – Iván Gonzalez Ferreira 50′, Elvis Marecos 74′; Enzo Prono 35′
Guaraní put in a tremendous second half shift to turn the game around against high-flying Sol de América and end their four game winning streak. It was a historic event at Dos Bocas as the game was taken charge by Japanese officials who have been ‘borrowed’ by the APF in their committment to try and improve the standard of refereeing.
The home side settled better with more possession and both strikers went close, Carlos Hidalgo’s free kick went just over after nine minutes and a couple of minutes later Dante López hit a scorching shot from 25 yards tipped over for a corner. Despite Guaraní’s ascendency Sol were always a threat on the break and especially down their left-hand side where José Ortigoza was peeling off into the space left by attacking full back Eduardo Filippini. Perfect evidence of this was the exchange of goal threats after 25 minutes, firstly Filippini combined down the right with Hidalgo who found López in the box. The number seven rounded Roberto Acosta but was unable to finish from a tight angle. The visitor’s broke immediately and a clever turn by Enzo Prono lost his marker on the right, he spread the ball across to Ortigoza unmarked on the left and with Filippini nowhere he was able to play a pass to the overlapping David Mendieta who dragged his shot just wide.
That was a warning for the aborigen and ten minutes later they were made to pay the price as the league’s topscorers and form side took the lead through Prono. Mendieta did well to lift a pass over the defence and the onrushing Sergio Escalante showed strength and balance to turn the ball into the near post under pressure from a Guaraní defender. Prono had made a fantastic darting run to that area leaving his marker for dead and he tapped the ball in to net his eighth of the season, a fantastic return for this intelligent youngster.
The second half was a different story, Guaraní continued to dominate possession but were far more incisive and had equalised after six minutes of intensive pressure. Nelson Romero had threaded a great pass into Iván Gonzalez Ferreira but a last ditch tackle forced the ball out for a corner kick. From the resulting set piece Gonzalez Ferreira got his reward, a half-clearance found him on the edge of the box and from a difficult angle he managed to turn and shoot, surprising Acosta with the force of the shot.
Elvis Marecos grabbed the winner – Photo: D10.com.py
The aurinegro kept pushing fora winner, López stung Acosta’s hands with a fierce shot from distance, Marcelo Palau had a long shot saved too and forced a great stop from a header. So it was no great surprise when the Danzarín fell behind to Elvis Mareco’s thumping header from a corner with a quarter of an hour left. Sol had a late effort that nearly brought the equaliser, substitute Lorenzo Frutos saw his header tipped over by Aurrocochea. Ultimately Guaraní were good value for their win.
Guaraní XI: Pablo Aurrecochea, Eduardo Filippini, Luis Cabral, Elvis Marecos, Edgar Aranda, Nelson Romero, Marcelo Palau, Aguilar, Iván Gonzalez Ferreira, Dante Lopez, Carlos Hidalgo
Subs: Luis de la Cruz for Carlos Hidalgo, Pedro Chavez for Nelson Romero, Blas Caceres for Iván Gonzalez Ferreira
Sol de América XI: Roberto Acosta; Roberto Bonet, Martínez, Bruno Valdez, Diego Ciz; Sergio Escalante, Angel Enciso, Edgar Orzusa, David Mendieta, José Ortigoza, Enzo Prono
Subs: Lorenzo Frutos for Enzo Prono, Wili Mendieta for Roberto Bonet, Diego Vazquez for Angel Encisco
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Libertad vs Cerro Porteño Estadio Defensores del Chaco (1-0) 2-1 – Gustavo Mencia 5′, Rodolfo Gamarra 89′; Jonathan Fabbro 76′
Libertad dealt a huge blow to Cerro Porteño’s title hopes with a last minute winner from substitute Rodolfo Gamarra who notched up his third of the season. The victory also keeps Libertad in with a sniff of the title, although seven points behind with four games left to play means they need Olimpia to go into meltdown if they are to have a chance. For Cerro’s Julio Dos Santos it was a disappointing result on his 250th appearance for the club.
Gamarra’s ambush marketing – Photo: abc.com.py
Libertad struck early on just as they had during the week against Olimpia with substitute goalkeeper Pablo Gavilán beaten to the ball by Gustavo Mencia as Cerro’s defence were statuesque not due to their own failings but the excellent delivery of Victor Ayala who is almost unplayable from set pieces in the final third. Gavilan was suspect again when he failed to claim several crosses, unsure of his positioning and the azulgrana defence had to fall back to try and clear their lines. One such mistake resulted in the ball falling to Ayala just outside the box, he rattled the crossbar with a stunning effort.
Cerro were by no means second best though, they looked to fashion chances and improved after 20 minutes when Fossati instructed them to play with four at the back instead of a back three and wing backs. Roberto Nanni is always a threat in the air and his header whistled wide of the post, the Argentine striker then tested the goalkeeper on 37 minutes with a clever shot on the turn. Jonathan Fabbro was looking motivated but was unable to find an inch of space as Jonathan Santana closed him in midfield or left him to the centre back Cristian Nasuti who pressured Fabbro when he picked up a position in between defence and midfield. There was no doubt that if he did find any room to work in then Libertad would be in trouble, about five minutes before the break Nasuti was out of position and Fabbro nearly punished the Guma, his long shot crashing off the woodwork. Luis Caceres couldn’t score with the follow up as Rodrigo Muñoz reacted well in goal.
Santana was better than Oviedo in midfield – Photo: D10.com.py
In the second half the rain intensified in Sajonia but it didn’t ruin the spectacle as both sides had chances in a fantastic forty-five minutes of football. José Ariel Nuñez, who has concreted his place as Libertad’s best forward player, should have made it two-nil after 47 minutes, beating the offside trap only to see his side-footed shot saved by the outstretched leg of Gavilan. On the hour Fossati transformed his left-hand side, taking off the two Benitez’s (César and Edgar) replacing them with Mingo Salcedo and Juan Manuel Lucero both recovering from long-term injury. The emphasis now was on getting balls into the box, Nanni nearly equalised after 66 minutes when he challenged Muñoz and who dropped the ball under pressure but he couldn’t get the definitive touch. Cerro then escaped a penalty shout, Cáceres clearly blocked a cross with his arm but Libertad’s appeals were waved away.
Cerro suffer in the rain – Photo: D10.com.py
A controversial finish was on the cards when Jonathan Fabbro equalised, a simply wonderful freekick with the outside of his foot full of power and swerve that left Muñoz with no chance. 17-year-old Maurito Caballero, heavily linked with Inter Milan, was thrown on to try and find a winner and his header was well saved by Gavilan. Straight up the other end Santiago Salcedo could have secured three points for Cerro Porteño hitting the bar in a frantic finale. Then after 89 minutes Caballero had an even better chance, Rodolfo Gamarra rolled the ball into his path in the box but he was denied again by Gavilan. Gamarra, however was on hand to turn the ball in and celebrated in the rain in unusual fashion. If that wasn’t enough for one half of football, Nanni should have equalised with a header that was somehow clawed out by Muñoz’s left arm, a tremendous save and a brilliant finish to an excellent game of football.
Libertad XI: Rodrigo Muñoz; Carlos Bonet, Cristian Nasuti, Joe Bizera, Gustavo Mencia; Víctor Ayala, Jonathan Santana, Sergio Aquino, Luciano Civelli; José Ariel Núñez, Pablo Velázquez
Subs: Maurtio Caballero for José Ariel Nuñez, Rodolfo Gamarra for Victor Ayala, Nestor Camacho for Luciano Civelli
Cerro XI: Pablo Gavilán; Mariano Uglessich, Pedro Benítez, Luis Cardozo; César Benítez, Luis Cáceres; Fidencio Oviedo, Julio Dos Santos, Jonathan Fabbro; Édgar Benítez, Roberto Nanni
Subs: Mingo Salcedo for César Benítez, Juan Manuel Lucero for Edgar Benítez, Santiago Salcedo for Pedro Benítez
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OFF THE BALL
Bad week for Arce family: After Chiqui Arce’s sacking on Monday his brother Juan has now left Rubio Ñu following yet another defeat, this time at home to Cerro de Franco. Rubio Ñu sit second from bottom in what has been a poor season
Cerro Sub20 flying flag: While there is no chance of a Paraguayan side winning the Copa Libertadores this year, the representatives in the U20s tournament, Cerro Porteño, got off to a great start on Saturday beating local side Sporting Cristal 3-1 in Lima. The Cicloncitos trailed at halftime but launched a stirring second half comeback with goals from Oscar Romero, a César Serna penalty and Epifanio Garcia’s late strike. Could Cerro end up winning the Copa Libertadores in their centenary?!
The Cerro U20s before the game with Cristal – Photo: Pasión Azulgrana
Team of the Week: Carlos Servín (Tacuary); Gustavo Gimenez (Tacuary), Cristian Nasuti (Libertad), Elvis Marecos (Guaraní), Gregor Aguayo (Tacuary); Gustavo Cristaldo (Nacional), Jonathan Santana (Libertad), Jonathan Fabbro (Cerro Porteño), Iván Gonzalez Ferreira (Guaraní); Rogerio Leichtweis (Cerro de Franco), Ariel Bogado (Nacional)
Player of the Week: Iván Gonzalez Ferreira of Guaraní is a left-footer playing on the right wing, he posed a constant threat to Sol de América and gave them the attacking threat from midfield usually attributed to Dario Ocampo (currently injured). His goal was fully deserved and was an excellent strike.
Donkey of the Week: Martin Silva made himself look a bit silly when he rushed over to the referee to breate him for blowing for full time 10 seconds early. Seeing that Olimpia had failed to score in the previous 5,570 seconds I doubt those extra ten would have been the difference.
Goal of the Week: Jonathan Fabbro’s freekick just edges out Iván Gonzalez Ferreira’s effort
Results: Tacuary 0-0 Olimpia, Rubio Ñu 1-2 Cerro de Franco, Independiente 1-1 Luque, Nacional 3-1 Carapeguá, Guaraní 2-1 Sol de América, Libertad 2-1 Cerro Porteño
Week 19 Fixtures: Olimpia vs Guaraní, Cerro de Franco vs Nacional, Independiente vs Rubio Ñu, Luque vs Sol de América, Carapeguá vs Libertad vs , Cerro vs Tacuary,
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
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
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
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.
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
Oscar Cardozo continues to find the net in Portugal, (watch out Chelsea!) while Fredy Bareiro was back on the scoresheet for Estudiantes Tecos albeit in defeat, another losing scorer was Arnaldo Vera in Ecuador. Hero of the week? That’s probably Fabio Ramos in Perú who grabbed the only goal of the game in the clásico cusqueño for Real Atlético Garcilaso who are flying surprisingly high. See the goals below!
England
Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Atheltic) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Portugal
Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – SCORED twice and set up one in 3-1 win
Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – played full 90 mins 1-0 victory
Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad
Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad
Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Unused Sub
Italy
Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – Not in match squad
Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad
Spain
Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 73 mins in 3-0 defeat
Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – subbed on after 79 mins in 1-0 loss, manager left club after fifth game without a win
Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – Not in match squad
Germany
Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Unused Sub
Turkey
Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – started game in progress
Holland
Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused Sub
Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win
Cyprus
Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – Unused Sub
Russia
Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss, Rubin now five without a victory
Slovakia
Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win
Switzerland
Dario Lezcano (Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina
Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – subbed on after 74 mins in 3-1 defeat
Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – Unused sub
Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss
Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – subbed on after 84 mins in 1-0 win
Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – Not in match squad
Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – Unused sub
Federico Santander (Racing) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 victory
Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Mexico
Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – SCORED a late consolation in 2-1 defeat
Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Dario Verón (PUMAS) – injured midweek in CONCACAF Champions League – FUERZA DARIO!
Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 loss
Bolivia
Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – subbed off after 49 mins in 2-0 win
Ever Milton Cantero (Bolivar) – Not in match squad
Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – No game this week
Alexander David Meza (Nacional Potosí) – Not in match squad
Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw
Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 4-2 loss
Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad
Milciades Ramon Silva (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad
Pedro Anibal Sosa (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad
Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat
Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) - played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat
Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – No game this week
Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – No game this week
Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – No game this week
Chile
José David Portillo (Antofagasta) - played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat
Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – Not in match squad
Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – SENT OFF in 3-2 defeat
Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss
Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 74 mins in 2-0 loss
Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – not in match squad
Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – not in match squad
Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) - played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat
Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub
Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 74 mins in 2-0 win
Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – subbed off after 87 mins in 2-1 win
Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 win
Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat
Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss
Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused sub
Colombia
Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – subbed off after 59 mins in 1-1 draw
Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – subbed off after 77 mins in 1-1 draw
Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad
German Centurion (Santa Fe) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 loss
Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – subbed off after 87 mins in 0-0 draw
Ecuador
Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 4-1 defeat
Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – not in match squad
Librado Azcona (Independiente) – KEPT THIRD CLEANSHEET in four games in 0-0 draw
Azcona in action, he's been in good form - Photo: El Universo (Ecuador)
Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - suspended
Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed on after 58 mins in 0-0 draw
Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) - subbed on after 46 mins in 1-1 draw
What a positive weekend for the Paraguayans abroad, while established stars such as Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios, Antolín Alcaraz and Marcelo Estigarribia didn’t taste victory it was left to some of our other 80 pioneers to shine. Lorenzo Melgarejo may have been on the losing side but he is hitting the headlines in Portugal thanks to another impressive display, over in Argentina Nestor Ortigoza scored a crucial penalty for San Lorenzo as they shake off relegation fears. Another out of favour (with Chiqui at least) albirroja Auerliano Torres got his name on the scoresheet in Mexico while ex-Olimpia striker Pablo Escobar netted in Bolivia. Over in Colombia, Once Caldas forward Jorge Nuñez added one to his tally. Arguably the stars of the week were in Chile, Cristian Bogado bagged a brace for Deportes Iquique, David Portillo scored the only goal of the game for Antofagasta while Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar grabed a last minute winner for Universidad Católica. Below their individual efforts, first a goals montage here.
Paraguayan fans at the Paços de Ferreira vs Benfica game,Photo: Sport Lisboa e Benfica (facebook)
England
Antolín Alcaraz (Wigan Atheltic) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Portugal
Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – subbed off in last minute in 2-1 win
Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad
Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad
Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Not in match squad
Italy
Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat, they have lost 4 of last 5
Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – Not in match squad
Spain
Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 74 mins in 3-2 defeat
Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – Not in match squad
Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 loss
Germany
Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – Not in match squad
Turkey
Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Holland
Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused Sub
Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Cyprus
Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – subbed on after 79 mins in 1-0 win, Champions League quarter finalists have won four consecutive games
Russia
Nelson Haedo Valdez (Rubin Kazan) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Slovakia
Jorge Salinas (Trencin) – subbed off after 83 mins in 1-0 loss
Switzerland
Dario Lezcano (Luzern) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 defeat
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina
Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – Unused Sub
Orlando Gaona Lugo (Boca Juniors) – subbed off after 61 mins in 5-4 loss (worth checking this video!)
Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – subbed off after 76 mins in 1-0 defeat
Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – Unused sub
Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – Not in match squad
Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – Unused sub
Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed off in 3-0 victory with nasty head injury, he’s recovering now.
Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – SCORED winning goal, a penalty, 2-1 victory
Mexico
Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw (first start for a while)
Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – SCORED in 2-1 away win
Dario Verón (PUMAS) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Bolivia
Aquilino Villalba (Aurora) – subbed on after 45 mins in 2-1 loss
Ever Milton Cantero (Bolivar) – Not in match squad
Hugo Sebastian Gimenez (Guabira) – subbed off after 45 mins in 2-0 defeat
Alexander David Meza (Nacional Potosí) – Not in match squad
Francisco Antonio Argüello (Oriente Petroleo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 victory
Gustavo David Arce (Real Mamore) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 win
Luis Gustavo Lugo (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad
Milciades Ramon Silva (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad
Pedro Anibal Sosa (Real Mamore) – Not in match squad
Henry William Lapczyk (Real Potosí) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat
Claudio Centurión (Real Potosí) - played full 90 mins in 1-0 defeat
Ernesto Ruben Cristaldo (The Strongest) – subbed off after 77 mins in 1-1 draw
Pablo Daniel Escobar (The Strongest) – SCORED opener from the penalty spot in 1-1 draw
Delio Ramon Ojeda (The Strongest) – Unused Sub
Chile
José David Portillo (Antofagasta) - SCORED only goal of the game
Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – Not in match squad
Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 loss
Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 83 mins in 3-1 defeat
Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 84 mins in 3-1 defeat
Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – subbed on after 83 mins in 3-1 defeat
Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Not in match squad
Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) - SCORED twice in 4-0 victory
Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub
Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 73 mins in 3-1 win
Rodrigo Rojas (O’Higgins) – subbed on after 74 mins in 2-1 defeat
Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 loss
Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – SCORED late winner in 2-1 victory
Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win
Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused squad
Colombia
Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – subbed off after 68 mins in 1-0 win
Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – subbed off after 79 mins in 3-1 win
Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 win
Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – Not in match squad
German Centurion (Santa Fe) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – SCORED in 4-0 win
Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – Not in match squad
Ecuador
Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 4-1 defeat
Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – no league game, played full 90 mins in 1-0 Copa Libertadores loss to Flamengo
Librado Azcona (Independiente) – KEPT CLEANSHEET in 1-0 win
Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) - SENT OFF in 1-0 win
Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – subbed on after 77 mins in 1-0 win
Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) - subbed on after 46 mins in 1-1 draw
Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – Not in match squad
Mingo Martinez (Macará) – Suspended
Nestor Ayala (Técnico Universitario) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Perú
Mario Villasanti (Inti Gas) – played full 90 mins in 2-2 draw
Ramon ‘Tacuarita’ Cardozo (León de Huánuco) – played full 90 mins in 3-2 win
Fabio Ramos (Real Atlético Garcilaso) – subbed off after 80 mins in 2-2 draw
Blas Lopez (Sport Huancayo) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 victory
Hector Sosa (Unión Comercio) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 loss
Venezuela
Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – not in match squad
Victor Ferreira (Caracas FC) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win
Fidel Perez (Caracas FC) – not in match squad
By Ralph Hannah
Author’s Note: Special thanks to @Timuka for the list of Bolivian players, @davemhz for the Venezuela additions and @rfam for the material on Lorenzo Melgarejo
This week we look at Robin Ramirez who notched up his fourth goal in five games for his new club, the 22-year-old’s performances have helped propel Deportes Tolima are joint top of the league.
Robin Ramirez is a natural goalscorer, this four in five games follow his 12 (second topscorer) in the 2011 Paraguay Apertura with Rubio Ñu before getting four in seven starts for Libertad in the Clausura. His form earned him an international call up in Chiqui Arce’s first competitive game and guess what…he scored.
Robin Ramirez for the Albirroja
Ramirez is a versatile striker who can play on the shoulder of the last defender or as a ‘false 9’ – he has acceleration, good close control but above all an instinctive awareness of space and fantastic movement. His positioning means he is both a creator and scorer of goals and it was a surprise when Libertad let him go to Colombia when surely European football was within his grasp.
At just 22 there is plenty more to come from this exciting striker who has been one of the top Paraguay Abroad performers in 2012!
PARAGUAY ABROAD ROUND UP
EUROPE
England
Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan Athletic) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 stalemate, Wigan now three games unbeaten
Portugal
Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) – played full 90 mins 0-0 draw, Benfica on worst run since August 2010
Javier Cohene (Paços de Ferreira) – Not in match squad
Lorenzo Melgarejo (Paços de Ferreira) – subbed off after 79 mins in 2-0 defeat
Julio Aguilar (Paços de Ferreira) – Unused sub
Juan Manuel Iturbe (Porto) – Not in match squad
Italy
Edgar Barreto (Palermo) – played full 90 mins in 4-1 loss
Marcelo Estigarribia (Juventus) – subbed off at half time in 1-1 draw with Milan
Spain
Roque Santa Cruz (Real Betis) – subbed on after 60 mins in 1-1 draw
Hernan Perez (Villarreal) – subbed on after 81 mins in 2-2 draw
Paulo Da Silva (Real Zaragoza) – played full 90 mins in 5-1 loss, scored own goal
Germany
Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund) – subbed on after
Turkey
Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss, the side are 5 games without a win now
Holland
Celso Ortiz (AZ) – Unused sub
Roberto ‘Gatito’ Fernandez (Utrecht) – played full 90 mins in 1-0 loss
Cyprus
Aldo Adorno (APOEL) – not in match squad
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina
Jorge Achucarro (Banfield) – subbed off after 37 mins (following red card for teammate) in 2-1 win
Eduardo Ledesma (Lanús) – play tonight
Victor Aquino (Newell’s) – subbed on after 71 mins in 2-1 loss
Nestor Bareiro (Olimpo) – played full 90 mins in 3-1 defeat
Marcos Cáceres (Racing) – played ful 90 mins in 2-1 loss
Federico Santander (Racing) – subbed on after 67 mins in 2-1 loss, could start next game following Gutierrez’s red card
Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo) – suspended for 5 yellow cards
Mexico
Fredy Bareiro (Estudiantes Tecos) – not in match squad
Aureliano Torres (Toluca) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Dario Verón (PUMAS) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Osvaldo Martinez (Atlante) – played full 90 mins in 4-0 defeat
Chile
José David Portillo (Antofagasta) - played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Fabian Benitez (Audax Italiano) – not in match squad
Miguel Angel Cuellar (Cobresal) – SCORED team’s only goal in 4-1 defeat, now has 3 in 4 games
Hugo Lusardi (Cobreloa) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win
Pedro Vera (Cobreloa) – subbed off after 83 mins in 3-0 win
Derlis Barrios (Cobreloa) – subbed on after 85 mins in 3-0 win
Osmar Molinas (Colo Colo) – Unused sub
Cristian Bogado (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub
Cristian Limenza (Dep. Iquique) – Unused sub
Milton Benitez (Huachipato) – subbed on after 77 mins in 1-0 loss
Rodrigo Riquelme (Palestino) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win
Roberto ‘Bufalo’ Ovelar (Uni. Catolica) – subbed off after 65 mins in 2-2 draw
Cristian Britez (Uni. Concepción) – played full 90 mins in 2-1 win their first of Apertura
Arnaldo Gimenez (Unión La Calera) – Unused Sub
Colombia
Digno Gonzalez (Atletico Huila) – not in match squad
Robin Ramirez (Dep. Tolima) – SCORED winner in 1-0 victory over Atlético Nacional (see above)
Antony Silva (Dep. Tolima) – kept CLEANSHEET in 1-0 win over Atlético Nacional
Edison Gimenez (La Equidad) – not in match squad
German Centurion (Santa Fe) – played full 90 mins in 1-1 draw
Jorge Nuñez (Once Caldas) – not in match squad
Marcos Lazaga (Patriotas) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Ecuador
Mingo Martinez (Macará) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Fernando Gimenez (Emelec) – not in match squad
Miguel Paniagua (Dtvo. Cuenca) - played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito) – not in match squad
Arnaldo Vera (LDU Loja) – played full 90 mins in 0-0 draw
Librado Azcona (Independiente) – kept CLEANSHEET in 3-0 win
Edgar Balbuena (Independiente) – played full 90 mins in 3-0 win
Richard Estigarribia (Independiente) – not in match squad
Perú
Mario Villasantti (Inti Gas) – No games this week still
Venezuela
Luis Ovelar (Dptvo. Petare) – played full 90 mins in 2-0 defeat
