Paraguay battle through to set up Mexico showdown

Paraguay 3-2 El Salvador
CONCACAF W Gold Cup
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, USA
28/02/2024

Paraguay bid farewell to Houston after their three-game stay and head off west to Los Angeles for a quarter-final showdown with Mexico. In the aftermath of the defeat versus Canada the Olimpia defender Paola Genes had said “there is a saying in Paraguay, Vencer o Morir (Do or Die)” alluding to the patriotic cry that originated from Paraguay’s major wars past “and this game is Do or Die”. The Albirroja had to show some of that warrior spirit that has marked much of their history, in a fierce battle with El Salvador for a spot in the quarter finals.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Carlos Bona was forced into one change, central midfielder Griselda Garay had picked up two yellow cards in her first two matches and was replaced by the experienced Dulce Quintana. There were other changes too, with a much more offensive set up as Lice Chamorro, Rebeca Fernández and Jessica Martínez all lined up together from the go. Paraguay started in a 3-4-3 as Limpia Fretes once again slotted in at central defender.

On paper it should have been smooth sailig for Paraguay, ranked 50th in the world against an El Salvador side that is outside the Top 100. But this young side has the ability to surprise and Samaria Gomez nearly scored in the opening minute, volleying just over the bar. The opening ten minutes were hard fought with a flurry of fouls and three yellow cards, the third was from a strong challenge on Ramona Martínez down the sideline by Juana Plata.

Dulce Quintana’s resulting freekick was headed down by Lice Chamorro and blocked by the El Salvador defender. Half-hearted appeals for a handball were waved away, before the VAR spoke in referee’s ear and a long check commenced. After almost three minutes the referee pointed to the spot causing a chorus of boos from the mostly pro-Salvadorian crowd. Jessica Martinez had already seen a header and long range freekick sail over the bar but she made no mistake here. Pirayu stepped up, stutter stepped, and stroked the ball home just past Idalia Serrano.

El Salvador’s resistance wasn’t broken, Samantha Fisher and Amber Marinero with shots just wide within the first 25 minutes. On 37 minutes Gomez had another chance, hitting her shot into the ground as it bounced over. But everything was from outside the box as Tania Riso continued her good tournament. For the first time in this competition Paraguay were dominating possession, they were finding joy working the ball wide quickly and loading the box. In the first half alone the Guaraní had 3 corner kicks and several crosses which caused difficulty for Las Cuscatlecas. It was also noticeable that after the goal they had shifted to a 4-3-3 as Fretes and Bareiro became full backs to overload the opposition full backs. Just before the break Martínez had the ball in the net again, but was ruled offside.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

The second half began at a brisk pace, it was as if the sides were propelled by the swirling wind that had been picking up all evening. While that suited Paraguay, who were stronger in transition, it didn’t make for a good spectacle as passes went misplaced and neither team created any sort of rhythm. The game had been tetchy since the opening minutes and the foul count was creeping up to boiling point. On 67 minutes Daysy Bareiro made a clumsy foul in the area to hand El Salvador a lifeline from the spot. Alicia Bobadilla made a good save from Samantha Fisher, only for the NWSL player to coolly put in the rebound. The gaggle of El Salvador fans behind the goal finally had something to cheer.

The equalizer jolted the Albirroja back into life, and they seemed to be playing with more purpose especially going forward. A mix up between goalkeeper and defender had Ramona Martínez almost score, but she was flagged for offside. However, the moment of quality in the dying stages came from the Central Americans as substitute Danielle Fuentes cut inside Fretes and fired home. Suddenly the group had been turned on its head, but Paraguay still had more to give. Rebeca Fernández’s pace had been a problem all night and she finally got good service only to be chopped down by the onrushing Serrano. Jessica Martínez doesn’t feel pressure, and it showed, stepping up confidently to tuck away her second spot kick of the match, this time going in the opposite direction.

The night wasn’t over for the hugely impressive Martínez, who only missed the first match because of a delayed US visa. The former Real Madrid forward rose highest at the back post to head in her hattrick, the balls in the box finally getting their reward.

Paraguay walked off the pitch in Space City with their first mission accomplished, what next for Carlos Bona’s team?

PARAGUAY PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Jessica Martinez put in another star display, showing determination, passion and above all quality that was lacking for large parts of the game.

STATS AND FACTS

Paraguay didn’t make a substitution until the 88th minute

Jessica Martínez now has a hattrick in two of her last three games against CONCACAF opposition, having scored three against Jamaica

Paraguay devoured by Canada’s Leon

Paraguay 0-4 Canada
CONCACAF W Gold Cup
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, USA
25/02/2024

The Albirroja were back in action having defeated Costa Rica in a close fought game on Thursday evening, this time a much tougher test against reigning Olympic champions Canada. Prior to the tournament Carlos Bona had suggested he would rotate to offer experience to everybody and he stayed true to his word, making six changes to the starting lineup. The two most notable switches were between the sticks with Cristi Recalde replacing Alicia Bobadilla and up front, the impressive Lice Chamorro dropping out for all-time topscorer Jessica Martínez.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay were defensive as expected with Ramon Martínez who had been a forward practically playing as a second right back early on. They were happy to go toe to toe however and make it a physical battle, Jessica Martinez leading from the front in that department. In an almost empty stadium you could hear the cries of the Paraguay side “FUERA!” as they tried to push the team higher up the pitch. But the main strategy was clear, try and cut off any supply to Quinn and make it hard to get the ball wide to Women’s Super League pair Lacasse and Leon.

After 20 minutes the Paraguayan plan seemed to be functioning as hoped, other than a soft header from a corner and Cristi Recalde’s brave save at the feet of Deanne Rose the North Americans hadn’t much to show for all their possession. But it only takes one mistake (or two), when Rosa Miño got caught in her own half it led to a blocked shot and then a misdirected hooked clearance by Deisy Ojeda straight into the path of Aston Villa’s Adriana Leon. The 31 year old volleyed in having previously threatened from distance.

The rodeo is currently on in Texas’ largest city, and the final 15 minutes before halftime seemed like Paraguay was trying to keep a hold of the bull in red shirts that was threatening to get away from them. The Albirroja were faltering as fatigue set in and chances mounted up, a shot crashed off the bar and then Olivia Smith forced a couple of saves with sizzling shots. On 38 minutes the sixth best side in the world doubled their lead, this time Smith, making her first international start, made no mistake as she picked up a rebound in the box and took it past Fretes to finish emphatically. Recalde made a strong double save in stoppage time to keep the score down.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay made changes to start the second half, Rebeca Fernandez, Lice Chamorro and Daysy Bareiro coming on. But it didn’t alter the course of the game, Canada headed just wide on 46 minutes and then made it 3-0 on 49 minutes, Leon scoring her second. A corner and a shot from distance by a frustrated Jessica Martinez the only bright spark before Adriana Leon completed her hattrick, smashing one in from a tight angle.

It was Paraguay’s left hand side that was being constantly threatened, and while Camila Barbosa put in a strong performance the Olimpia defender was facing the hardest test of her career. On 65 minutes, after another round of heavy bombardment from Canada, Cristina Recalde created a timeout when the goalkeeper went down with cramp after stretching to try and save yet another effort.

The final stages were an exercise in damage control from Paraguay as they tried to wind down seconds on the clock as often as possible. Canada had already made all five substitutions, the hattrick hero Leon had long since departed as the game lost its fizz. Even then the Canadians fashioned out a few chances to find a fifth, substitutes Jordyn Huitema and Evelyne Viens the closest to adding another. In fact Huitema did have the ball in the net in the final five minutes only to be ruled out for offside. In stoppage time Fiorela Martinez had a wild swipe at Simi Awujo as she burst into the box, captain Jessie Fleming couldn’t make it five as her penalty crashed against the bar.

A tough afternoon for the Albirroja, but they still have it all to play for on Wednesday night as a win over El Salvador can take them to the next round.

PARAGUAY PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Jessica Martinez showed her quality despite difficult conditions, her technical ability and constant determination to try and drive the team forward was admirable.

STATS AND FACTS

Carlos Bona suffered his heaviest defeat in an official match as Paraguay coach, previously 1-4 to Mexico.

Canada extended their clean sheet record to 450 minutes, since Debinha scored in Brazil’s 1-0 win

Olimpia duo Camila Barbosa and Griselda Garay started again, the only local-based players in the XI

Paraguay debut with a win against Costa Rica

Paraguay 1-0 Costa Rica
CONCACAF W Gold Cup
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, USA
22/02/2024

A year to the day from that heart-breaking playoff loss in New Zealand, that saw Paraguay miss out on the chance to go to their first Women’s World Cup, the Alibrroja Femenina were back in competitive action. Winters in Houston are unpredictable, and the players were treated to a warm afternoon far from the sub-zero temperatures earlier in the month. There was some unpredictability around the lineup too, Carlos Bona making seven changes from the side that lost a friendly last Friday in Panama.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Paraguay lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Daysy Bareiro and Limpia Fretes the wingbacks and within 2 minutes they had forced a shot, Lice Chamorro’s tame effort straight at the goalkeeper. But despite some early settled possession it was Costa Rica that grew into the game especially through Gloriana Villalobos who hit the bar with a crashing shot from distance before Alicia Bobadilla made amends with a follow up save. Sheika Scott flitted around across the backline, making it hard for captain Verónica Riveros to marshall her teammates. From the bench Bona pleaded with them to get wider on the ball, unable to progress through the lines effectively.

Costa Rica’s pressure finally took its toll on 20 minutes, a scramble in the box and the referee reacted to screams for handball and awarded a penalty. As Raquel Rodríguez stood over the ball on the spot for what seemed like an eternity, the referee signalled for VAR before deciding not to give the penalty. The Alibrroja’s cheers echoed around the half empty stadium, injecting some life back into the South Americans.

On 26 mins Camila Barbosa headed on target from a corner, Paraguay’s first real effort since the opening exchanges. 38 minutes Lice Chamorro flashes one wide, it was the first time Quintana and Godoy had really tried to join the attack and create a bit of space. Garay in the book on 40 minutes for taking down Villalobos, the best player on the pitch in the first half.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Carlos Bona made three changes at halftime bringing on Dahiana Bogarín and Rebeca Fernández , the Sport Colonial forward almost made an immediate impact forcing a corner within a minute. It was a tactical switch too as they went to a more traditional 4-4-2 set up.

The positional change certainly worked, on 50 minutes Lice Chamorro opened the scoring after an inviting ball in from Bogarín, that the Espanyol forward tapped in. It was the 23-year-old Colo Colo midfielder that was making the difference, controlling more of the ball in the middle and denying Rodríguez and Villalobos that luxury. Shortly after the goal she had a speculative effort that floated just wide as Paraguay’s confidence grew.

Costa Rica’s José Rubido rolled the dice after the hour mark making a double substitution, taking off Villalobos who had lost her spark in the second half. Chamorro almost doubled the lead and her tally on 68 minutes, her downwards header forcing Solera to make a save low down to her right. The chance had come from Fernández’s intensity in winning back the ball, a characteristic she showed fro the remainder of the game.

As the match wound down, Costa Rica made another three changes to little effect. Carlos Bona reacted with seven minutes to go, relieving a beleaguered Chamorro and replacing her with defender Fiorella Martínez. Late on the winger Ramona Martínez could have put the game to bed but fluffed her lines inside the box. There were some nerves to be had in the closing stages, Costa Rica threatening from set pieces, but the Albirroja saw out the game. It was just their second cleansheet in the Carlos Bona era.

A valuable victory for Paraguay in the tournament opener who now look ahead to a tough Sunday afternoon encounter with Canada, currently ranked 6th in the world.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Lice Chamorro was a constant thorn in the opposition’s side whether it was playing back to goal or advancing the ball with her running. The goal was the icing on the cake.

STATS AND FACTS

Carlos Bona took charge of his 10th game with the Paraguay national team, it was his sixth official match excluding the three games against Brazilian club sides.

The previous meeting between these two sides had ended 3-1 in Paraguay’s favour in the Panamerican Games last year.

Average age of Paraguay starting XI was 27.4 years old

Paraguay’s vulnerabilities exposed to Colombia

Paraguay 0-2 Colombia
Friendly
DRV Pink Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, USA
19/11/2022

Paraguay ended the 2022 with a defeat, their 6th of the year as Guillermo Barros Schelotto left South Florida empty handed. It was the 48th meeting between the sides and the Guaraní have picked up just one victory in their last ten games against this rival. The DRV Pink Stadium was a sea of yellow as the vast majority went home pleased following a Juanfer Quintero masterclass and they roared with the “Tigre” Falcao who scored late on.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

Guillermo Barros Schelotto made nine changes from the team that lost 1-0 at the death to Peru on Wednesday, some forced and some tactical. Blas Riveros and Julio Enciso were denied visas to enter the US, something that Barros Schelotto was prepared for based on his fairly relaxed answer in pre-game press conference. Miguel Almirón was unavailable through injury which the coach confirmed he was carrying from a knock with Newcastle and Fabián Balbuena was suspended following his red card in Lima.

Paraguay set up in a 4-4-2 formation which was something of a surprise given the selection, Mathias Villasanti playing on the right hand side, while Andres Cubas the most defensive midfielder but tasked with pressing close to Juanfer Quintero. The large Colombian contingent were subdued early on as the Albirroja stayed sharp in the press and occupied the ball in the final third. Prior to the game I had asked Barros Schelotto if he was concerned about the set pieces, he straight batted arguing that improvements were needed all over the pitch. Somewhat predictably it was then a dead ball which saw the deadlock broken early on. Davinson Sánchez headed home a Juanfer Quintero freekick as he out muscled Bruno Váldez at the back post on 13 minutes. It had resulted from the Cafeteros first real threat of the game, a break down the left hand side and the LAFC midfielder Eduard Atuesta won a dangerous freekick, tricking Ojeda into the foul.

As the half wore on Colombia began to take control as the Albirroja found it 25 mins, Colombia were taking control as Paraguay failed to break the press. The only real joy a speculative effort from Ojeda that forced a corner and just before halftime a Mati Rojas freekick that went over the bar. Much of the difficulty was in how to control Quintero, the River Plate man realized he needed to drop deep to elude Cubas and that created problems as nobody could pick him up and he began to orchestrate from deep.

Photo: Selección Paraguaya de Fútbol

There were no changes to start the second half from Paraguay but Colombia switched it up with Fabra and Carrascal replacing Mojica and Atuesta. The match continued in a similar vein with Néstor Lorenzo’s side almost scoring again from a set piece that Paraguay couldn’t deal with properly. Borré almost scored too, turning over a cross from the right.

Sebastián Ferreira was in a constant battle with Tottenham’s Davinson Sánchez and the pair were booked on the hour mark 60th minute as they kept clashing, minutes earlier Ferreira had almost scored (hitting the post from distance) but only after he had been left limping from a physical challenge. Overall the Colombian side had shown a different rhythm, athleticism and overpowered the Albirroja.

The only tactical shift in the game came around 62 minutes when Lorenzo Melgarejo replaced Sebastían Ferreira and Jesús Medina went on the wing instead of Rojas. That way the team set up as more of a 4-3-3 and at the same time James Rodríguez got the crowd on their feet. Borré had another good chance, hitting the post after being put clean through following a mistake by Mateo Gamarra who was otherwise consistent at left back. The contest ended soon after when Radamel Falaco came on in the 75th minute and the sea of yellow erupted as he headed home his 36th goal for the National Team with his first touch of the game.

A disappointing defeat for Paraguay who were outclassed by Colombia who will surely be a direct rival in the next World Cup qualifiers. With the competition fierce, Guillermo Barros Schelotto has yet to show much of a plan as their vulnerability from set pieces was exposed again and the experiment of playing Villasanti on the right doesn’t seem to be working. The reliance on Richard Ortiz in midfield, without him the midfield lacked some bite, is another part of the process the former Boca coach will need to work out.

Ameliano’s 12th man

Friday night’s game between Sportivo Ameliano and 12 de Octubre was full of action with goals and red cards, but it was a fan rather than anybody on the pitch that stole the show in stoppage time. A video clip of Silvio Sens, a former player and lifelong fan of the club, throwing a ball from the stands to disrupt a last gasp corner has gone viral. Paraguay Football Blog got in touch to learn more about this superfan who brightened up our weekend!

Boss level sh*thousery this 😂😂pic.twitter.com/5hAZ9nvcLb

— Ralph Hannah (@paraguayralph) May 7, 2022

Silvio was born and raised in Barrio Jara, a middle-class suburb of the capital Asunción and home to both Sportivo Ameliano and their arch rivals Tacuary. He grew up with the “V Azulada” playing in their youth teams and even the first team between 1984 and 1995. At the time they played in the lower divisions, and Silvio reminds me that in 1995 “we played a final against Club Atlántida who had Paulo Da Silva in their ranks at the time”.

Fast forward to last night’s game in May 2022 and Paulo Da Silva is now the most capped Paraguay National Team player ever and still playing aged 42. As fate would have it he was captaining Ameliano’s rivals while Silvio was in the stands with his group of fans that are always there, so much so they call themselves “Los de Siempre”. The game had been back and forth in the first half, ending 2-2 but on 54 minutes Ameliano were reduced to 10 men and with 15 minutes let on the clock they went down to just nine players. “We saw the board show that there were going to be seven extra minutes” Silvio retells his story to us on Saturday afternoon via WhatsApp, “our players were so tired, not just because of the two red cards but also because our right back, Victor Ayala, was injured with what I think was a dislocated shoulder”. It was a desperate moment and Silvio said that when the ball was cleared into the stands his first thought was to just “hold onto it to see what happened”.

Silvio in Santa Catarina, Brazil representing his beloved club

When he saw Alexis Rojas trotting over to take the corner, and that a ball had already been placed by the corner flag he got an idea. “At first I wanted to just throw the ball as close to him as possible…to try and shave some time off the clock”. But Silvio didn’t just get it close, he hit the ball spot on, how did he have such good aim?

“We throw paper balls into the bin at work, you know during a bit of down time, and I don’t miss a lot” Silvio comments while laughing. “But if I had to, I’d throw myself down there from the stands if it means helping the team!”

And that sums up Silvio Sens, a true superfan of Sportivo Ameliano who told us that reaching the Primera División for the first time was “like touching heaven”. He signs off our brief interview with a greeting to his new found fans across the world. “A big hello from a fanatical supporter of a very humble club here in Paraguay, a club de barrio that is now in first division, Sportivo Ameliano!”

Apertura Week 10: Cerro Porteño vs Libertad preview

Cerro Porteño vs Libertad
La Nueva Olla, Asunción
17/04/2022; 18:00 Paraguay (18:00 EST, 23:00 BST)

A lot has changed since the last time these sides met in La Nueva Olla in July 2021 in the Clausura, a game which ended 1-1. That match marked Chiqui Arce’s return to the touchline following the sudden and tragic death of his son, only a few hundred people were allowed in the ground as COVID restrictions were starting to be eased. Since that meeting the azulgrana did of course win the league title, while Libertad had stuttered for form winning just twice in the 9 games after their meeting. Going into this duel on Easter Sunday the Gumarelo are unbeaten in 19 games in all competitions winning their last six league contests. Daniel Garnero has got his team clicking and sits three points ahead of their rivals who have been affected by injury.

Cerro Porteño’s side has been ravaged by injury with Robert Morales, Alfio Oviedo and Toni Galeano all sidelined while Beto Espínola is a doubt having picked up a knock in the midweek victory over Colón de Santa Fe. Marcelo Moreno Martins returned to training on Friday following a leave of absence to attend his father’s funeral but it is unlikely he plays. There is little doubt that Arce will try and field his strongest available XI in this top of the table clash, any rotation would come in the following two fixtures against Tacuary and Ameliano. Alan Benítez has impressed on the right and will surely continue ahead of Enzo Giménez while up front Fernando Romero and Sergio Díaz combined well in the Libertadores. The main tactical doubt is at left back where Daniel Rivas performed satisfactorily but Alan Rodríguez grabbed an assist when coming on in the second half. Although Arce is a fan of possession football he was more pragmatic in last season’s games against Libertad having just 42% and 44% of the ball in the 1-1 draw and 2-0 win respectively.

Daniel Garnero has been rotating heavily since the beginning of the Copa Libertadores. Interestingly he’s played his stronger side in the league although, such is the Gumarelo’s depth, the “second string” that beat Caracas FC midweek saw goals from former Benfica players Óscar Cardozo and Lorenzo Melgarejo. The man, or better said boy, to watch will be 18 year old Julio Enciso who has 10 goals in 9 Primera games to date. He is likely to be partnered by ex-Olimpia striker Roque Santa Cruz who enjoys nothing more than scoring against his former classic rival. The only weakness for Libertad in their recent purple patch has been at the back, conceding five goals in their previous four games. Diego Viera has started all nine league games in central defence but he has been accompanied by Barboza (3), Canale (3), Cardozo (1), Flores (1) and even midfielder Daniel Bocanegra filled in for one match. The lack of an established partnership is something El Ciclón will try and profit from.

Prediction: 2-2 – these are the best two sides in the league by some margin and I’d expect an entertaining contest on Sunday.

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Jean; Beto Espinola, Juan Patiño, Alexis Duarte, Alan Rodríguez; Alan Benitez, Rafael Carrascal, Ángel Lucena, Claudio Aquino; Sergio Díaz, Fernando Romero

Libertad XI (probable): Martín Silva; Iván Piris, José Canale, Diego Viera, José Recalde; Héctor Villalba, Cristian Riveros, Hernesto Caballero, Rodrigo Bogarín; Roque Santa Cruz, Julio Enciso

By Ralph Hannah

Copa Libertadores: Cerro Porteño vs Colón de Santa Fe preview

Cerro Porteño vs Colón de Santa Fe
La Nueva Olla, Asunción, Paraguay
12/04/2022; 18:15 EST (18:15 Paraguay; 23:15 BST)
Group G, Gameweek 2

There will be an emotional return to La Nueva Olla for Colón de Santa Fe and their fans who were last here for the epic 2019 Copa Sudamericana Final. The sabaleros ended up losing that day, to Independiente del Valle, but won a lot of popular support. A far cry from Colón’s last game against Cerro Porteño which took place in the now demolished “old” Olla. That match, in the 2012 Copa Sudamericana Last 16 descended into violence in the stands and on the pitch ending in multiple arrests and two players sent off. Tensions aren’t likely to run as high on Tuesday evening given the stakes are still low at this stage of the competition. 

Chiqui Arce is faced with a huge headache heading into the match in terms of his strikeforce, Robert Morales and Alfio Oviedo are both out injured while Marcelo Moreno Martins is on compassionate leave after receiving the news his father had passed away on Monday night. It means Fernando Romero, the former Nacional and Guaireña forward is likely to continue in the first team having spent much of last season in the reserves. He will form a duo with Sergio Díaz, the pair have only managed one goal each so far in 2022. Given the fragility up front there will be plenty of attention on Claudio Aquino to continue his good run of goal contributions that began towards the end of last year and has continued in to 2022. The Argentinian midfielder has scored three times this season providing two assists. Defensively the side has depended a lot on Colombian midfielder Rafael Carrascal who has gelled well with the team since joining in July. He breaks up counter attacks and provides cover when the attack-minded full backs find themselves the wrong side of the ball. The azulgrana have kept seven cleansheets in their last eight games. 

Colón on the other hand find it hard to keep the ball out of their own net, other than a 0-0 draw with Unión in the clásico they have conced in seven of their last eight matches. The victory in gameweek one against Peñarol may have seemed fortuitous due to the timing of Facundo Farías’ winner, but the Argentinians had taken 26 shots of which 17 were inside the box. The legendary Pulga Rodríguez is their talisman and they also have former Boca Juniors players Ramón Abila and Paolo Goltz who provide continental experience. 

Prediction: 1-0

Cerro Porteño XI (probable): Jean Fernandes; Alberto Espínola, Alexis Duarte, Juan Patiño, Daniel Rivas; Alan Benítez, Rafael Carrascal, Ángel Lucena, Claudio Aquino; Sergio Díaz, Fernando Romero

================================================================

Stats and Facts

Cerro Porteño vs Argentinian opposition (Libertadores)

Pld 24 W 6 D 7 L 11 GF 25 GA 35

Cerro Porteño at home to Argentinian opposition (Libertadores)

Pld 12 W 4 D 3 L 5 GF 14 GA 18

Cerro Porteño last 6 home (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 6 W 2 D 1 L 3 GF 2 GA 7

The two wins were both 1-0

========================================

Copa Libertadores: Peñarol vs Olimpia preview

Peñarol vs Olimpia
Campeón del Siglo, Montevideo, Uruguay
12/04/2022; 20:30 EST (20:30 Paraguay; 01:30 BST)
Group G, Gameweek 2

Having played out a goalless draw with Cerro Porteño in the superclásico to open the group, El Decano visit Montevideo for a heavyweight Copa clash against Peñarol in a repeat of the 1960 Final. The two sides have a rich history in the competition, winning the title eight times between them, but this will be their first Libertadores meeting since 1974 and the first competitive game between the sides this century having previously locked horns in the 1999 Copa Mercosur. 

Olimpia are without left back Iván Torres who has started 6 out of their 7 Libertadores games this year, the 31 year old was injured in the warm up in Friday’s defeat against Nacional. They are also missing Santi Vera and Guillermo Paiva, the latter has notched 7 goals this season and been a key player coming off the bench. The pair were pictured partying over the weekend so Julio César Cáceres has dropped them for disclpinary reasons. Paiva’s physical presence can be matched by Wálter González who finally scored a goal after a 10 month drought, however we might see a more mobile frontline with Nestor Camacho partnering Pollo Recalde. Derlis González is still doubtful (injury) so will likely get the final half hour rather than starting. In midfield we can expect to see the impressive Marcos Gómez who will help keep Peñarol at bay alongside Richard Ortiz. Defensively the side have shaky, conceding 7 in their last 5 games, and there will be a question mark over Antolín Alcarz having to play his third game in a week at 39 years old.

Peñarol come into this game having scored twice in a single match for the first time this season, a 2-1 win over Liverpool. Prior to that they had managed just five goals in eight games with only three coming from open play. The main man up front is 30 year old Pablo Cepellini who scored in the defeat to Colón in the opening game and has four goals this season. In midfield Federico “Pachi” Carrizo is a player who knows Olimpia well having played at Cerro Porteño for three seasons, while the team’s enforcer is former Napoli player Walter Gargano who is still a regular starter at 37. 

Prediction: 1-1

Olimpia XI (probable): Gastón Olveira; Víctor Salazar, Saúl Salcedo, Antolín Alcaraz, Mateo Gamarra; Alejandro Silva, Marcos Gómez, Richard Ortiz, Fernando Cardozo; Néstor Camacho, Jorge Recalde.

========================================

Stats and Facts

Olimpia vs Uruguayan opposition (all continental competitions)

Pld 38 W 12 D 11 L 15 GF 47 GA 46

Olimpia in Uruguay (all comps)

Pld 19 W 3 D 8 L 8 GF 13 GA 23

Olimpia away to Peñarol (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 4 W 0 D 2 L 2 GF 2 GA 5

Olimpia last 6 away (Copa Libertadores)

Pld 6 W 2 D 2 L 2 GF 6 GA 10

The two defeats were to Brazilian sides Fluminense and Flamengo

========================================

Apertura 2022: Scouting Report

Almost halfway through the 2022 Apertura, just enough material to look at some of the top young talent currently playing in the country. What follows is a list of the best six U23s who have bright futures ahead.

Julio Encisco (18, Forward, Libertad)

The most exciting talent since Sergio Díaz who ended up going to Real Madrid. Enciso burst onto the scene with his dribbling and pace, running at defenders. This year he’s added goals to his game playing more down the middle and is showing a hint of aggression in response to being one of the most fouled players in the league. Each week the goals are getting better, often from futher out or tighter angles. The hope is that his mentality is steely enough for the demands of European football, because the talent is certainly there. For a more in-depth look at Enciso check out this detailed report from last year.

Matías Segovia (19, Attacking Midfielder, Guaraní)

The attacking midfielder was captain of the U20s in the recent Copa Libertadores, but since returning from that competition he has been a starter in Fernando Jubero’s senior side. Nicknamed angujá (mouse) the diminutive midfielder has the ability to work in tight spaces and thread passes to break the lines. He already has a goal and an assist in just four games to date.

Marcos Gomez (20, Central Midfield, Olimpia)

The central midfielder was promoted by Julio César Cáceres who saw something in him while coaching the reserves, and he has adapted very well. A physical midfielder who is mostly a ball winner and can play the direct passes needed in Olimpia’s current style. His performances in the league and Copa Libertadores has earned him a place in the Paraguay National Team for the first time this March.

Hugo Quintana (20, Central Midfield, Olimpia)

Another Olimpia midfielder, but a direct contrast to Gómez, Hugo Quintana plays more advanced like a traditional number 8 and can score goals as well as contribute to building attacking play. He was seen as a promise from very early on, making his debut as a 16 year old in 2018. After falling out of favour with Sergio Órteman it was Julio César Cáceres who made him captain of the reserves in 2021 before bringing him up to the first team. Watch out for his shooting from distance.

Carlos Espínola (22, Right Back, Nacional)

Carlos Espínola is the son of the former Liga de Quito defender by the same name and he looks an exciting prospect at right back. His pace and crossing ability was a key part of Rodrigo López’s plan with Nacional in 2021 where he started 26 games nearly helping them qualify for the Copa Libertadores. The tricolor have really struggled this season without him, he only recently returned from injury.

Ezequiel Alfonso Aranda (22, Right winger, General Caballero JLM)

The midfielder began his career at Libertad which is a strong producer of talent in Paraguay, so much so that he couldn’t find a way through to the first team there. His career was stunted by the pandemic, in 2019 he had been at River Plate and invited to National Team training camps but missed out on football in 2020. He impressed on loan at San Lorenzo in 2021 so General Caballero signed him for their first season in Primera. His dribbling ability and desire to drive towards the box has impressed.

By Ralph Hannah

2022 Copa Libertadores preview

The 2022 Copa Libertadores draw has pitted Paraguay’s biggest rivals together in the group stages for the first time this century. Olimpia and Cerro Porteño would both have hoped to progress from their group, now it might be at the expense of one another. Meanwhile Libertad have received a relatively favorable draw, like the other two Paraguay clubs they avoided the Brazilian and Argentinian giants.

Here we look at the fixtures in more depth and predict what could happen with our three teams in CONMEBOL’s premiere competition.

===============================================================

Olimpia and Cerro Porteño in the Libertadores

The sides first met in 1969 at Puerto Sajonia the earlier version of the Defensores del Chaco and it was El Ciclón that won both games that year, 4-1 and 2-1 respectively. Over the years El Decano have had more scucess of course, winning three Copa Libertadores titles and they also have a slight advantage in the head-to-head in the competition. The Rey de Copas have 11 wins to the azulgrana’s 9 with a total of twelve meetings ending in a draw, six of those were nil-nil.

Interestingly, despite those statistics it is Cerro Porteño who has finished above Olimpia more often in the group stages. In the 13 times they’ve played the group phase together the side from Barrio Obrero have finished ahead of their rival 10 times! There has only been one occasion, 1994, when Olimpia advanced and their old enemy didn’t.

===============================================================

Olimpia’s chances

El Decano have already played six games to get to this point and knocked out two major clubs in Atlético Nacional and Fluminense. Confidence therefore is high that this side, a blend of experienced heads like Richard Ortiz and Antolín Alcaraz with young talent such as Marcos Gómez and Luis Zárate, can make a dent in the competition.

Current coach Julio César Cáceres has won the competition as an Olimpia player in 2002 and made deep runs in the tournament with Boca Juniors. He has developed a fairly simple but effective style that should see the side perform well against opposition that like the ball and in away games.

Head-to-Head records

vs Peñarol (Pld 14 W 4 D 3 L 7), previous meeting in Libertadores 1974 (L 0-2, D 0-0)
vs Colón de Santa Fe (Pld 2 W 1 D 0 L 1), previous meeting in Libertadores 1998 (W 1-0, L 2-3)
vs Cerro Porteño (Pld 32 W 11 D 12 L 9), previous meeting in Libertadores 1999 (D 2-2, L 3-4)

One to Watch: Fernando Cardozo – the creative midfielder usually plays wide but cuts inside to occupy space where he can link up with others. Although only 21 years old his experience in Primeira Liga in Portugal and technical ability make him a key player.

Prediction: A better unit than the team that made last year’s QFs so expect at least the same again.

===============================================================

Cerro Porteño’s Chances

Chiqui Arce has built and rebuilt championship-winning sides over the last two years since returning to Cerro Porteño. The current crop is one of the best yet, having added internationally proven talent like Marcelo Martins and experienced Libertadores players such as last year’s finalist Robert Piris da Motta and semifinalist Williams Riveros. The team will be without Robert Morales who tore his ACL on his Paraguay debut, it will be a big blow but Arce always seems to find a way to adapt.

The style is possession based football in a classic 4-4-2 that allows for overlapping full backs and a contrasting central midfield with a strong ball winner (currently Rafael Carrascal) and a technical operator who can break the lines (Ángel “Pika” Lucena).

Head-to-Head records

vs Peñarol (Pld 4 W 1 D 1 L 2), previous meeting in Libertadores 1998 (L 0-2, W 3-0)
vs Colón de Santa Fe (Pld 2 W 2 D 0 L 0), first meeting in Libertadores (Sudamericana 2012 W 2-1 twice)
vs Olimpia (Pld 32 W 9 D 12 L 11), previous meeting in Libertadores 1999 (D 2-2, W 4-3)

One to watch: Alexis Duarte – an accomplished young centre half who is good on the ball and in the air. Last year he was dominant in the Copa other than when facing Hulk, with one more year experience he should be able to neutralize the continent’s leading strikers.

Prediction: If Morales hadn’t been injured then a QF place would have been bare minimum, now the reality is that knockout stages are a must but getting further will depend on kindness of draw.

===============================================================

Club Libertad

Despite enjoying so much domestic dominance, Daniel Garnero has mostly struggled in continental competition especially in the Copa Libertadores. Last year with a star-studded Gumarelo he managed to reach the Sudamericana semifinals before falling apart to eventual runners-up Bragantino.

The side has experience throughout the lines, from former finalist Martín Silva in goal to former Europa League and Champions League finalists up front, Óscar Cardozo and Roque Santa Cruz respectively. In midfield they have plenty of pace with Héctor Villalba and Antonio Bareiro vying for the right-hand side spot and Lorenzo Melgarejo down the left. The jewel is of course 18-year-old sensation Julio Enciso who is scoring goals and turning in Man of the Match performances on a weekly basis.

Head-to-Head records

vs Atlético Paranaense (Pld 2 W 0 D 0 L 2), previous meeting in Libertadores 2005 (L 1-2, L 0-1)
vs Caracas (Pld 2 W 1 D 0 L 1), previous meeting in Libertadores 2020 (W 3-2, L 1-2)
vs The Strongest (Pld 4 W 3 D 1 L 0), previous meeting in Libertadores 2019 (D 1-1, W 5-1)

One to Watch: While Julio Enciso is the obvious choice he might not be around for the knockout stages, assuming he moves to Europe, so a player that can really make an impact is Hugo Martínez. The central midfielder is a great presser but can also thread passes through defences, if he stays fit he’ll be important to the side.

Prediction: They have avoided the major sides in the group and with such a stacked roster the onus on Garnero will be semifinals. The reality is that, for whatever reason, they have lacked a cutting edge in the big games so a QF finish is more likely.

By Ralph Hannah