Paraguay edged Korea DPR with a late penalty goal

In a preparation match between two 2010 World Cup participants, Paraguay edged North Korea 1-0 at the Centre Sportif de Colovray Nyon stadium in Switzerland on Saturday. The Paraguayans — who will appear in a fourth successive World Cup finals — won the match courtesy of a Roque Santa Cruz penalty-kick conversion five minutes from full-time.

Paraguay dominated the early period of the match, and almost went ahead when a Aureliano Torres drive in the 23rd minute was pushed out for a corner-kick by North Korea goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk.

Minutes later a Marcos Caceres header was kept out by Myong Guk, as the Paraguayans continued to pile on the pressure.

Korea’s best chance came in the 34th minute, when a Choe Kum Chol pile-driver flew inches over the Paraguay crossbar.

The second half was played at a slow training-like pace, despite Paraguay’s clear domination. Marcelo Estigarribia came close to scoring for the Albirroja with a shot to the right post.

Paraguay, who twice struck the post, continued to look for an opener down the flanks, with dangerous crosses coming in from Carlos Bonet and Claudio Morel Rodriguez.

In the 85th minute one of those many crosses into the area was brought down with the hand of defender Nam Song Chol for a penalty-kick . Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz stepped up to the spot and made no mistake with a powerful finish.

Next up for Paraguay — one of South America’s five representatives at the World Cup — is a friendly match against Ireland in Dublin on May 25.

Paraguay were held to a 1-1 draw at home to South Africa, in a game where both teams fielded below strength squads. The Paraguayans are expected to be a solid unit come the World Cup finals, and South Africa as hosts are also expected to turn on the style, even if they don´t count with any big names. The fans that attended the match at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion were treated to an entertaining encounter between two teams that went looking for the win.

The hosts went ahead in the 37th minute when attacking midfielder Marcelo “Chelo” Estigarribia connected to a cross with a powerful header that left South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune with no chance.

The Bafana Bafana forced a draw in the 72nd minute courtesy of a 35-metre piledriver from midfielder SiphiweTshabalala.

Paraguay almost snatched the victory towards the end, with a dangerous free-kick from San Lorenzo left back Aureliano Torres.

Chile 0-0 Venezuela

Chile couldn´t break down a firm Venezuela defense and ended up being held to a goalless draw in Temuco, Chile. The 18,000 fans that attended the match left the stadium disappointed, as La Roja lacked authority in their game.

Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentine coach of Chile, was clearly frustrated with his side, even if a number of new faces including Felipe Seymour, Ronald Gonzalez and Luis Marin were making their national team debuts.

Chile hope to continue their World Cup preparation with friendly matches against Mexico, New Zealand, Israel and Ireland.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

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According to a leading medical official Paraguay and Club America striker Salvador Cabanas may never recall events when he was shot in the head at point blank range at a posh Mexico City bar in January. Cabanas is currently ongoing rehabilitation at a clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Armando Ahued, head of Mexico City´s health secretary, admitted on Tuesday that Cabanas will be of no use to officials investigating the case. Jose Balderas, who was caught shooting the striker by surveillance cameras, has yet to be found by police.

Cabanas, a star of the Paraguayan national team, has been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but doctors have yet to reveal when the player will be able to return to the football field.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

One week after being shot in the head at point-blank range in the toilet of a luxurious Mexico City bar, Paraguayan striker Salvador Cabanas has made a remarkable recovery. After the shooting it seemed that Cabanas was on his death bed, however, he has remained strong, and has been able to communicate with family members. Cabanas has also been able to eat normally.

Even if surgeons couldn´t remove the bullet lodged in Cabanas´ skull, because they deemed it too risky, the Club America striker has made great progress.

Now that Cabanas is conscious he could give his testimony if investigators come to speak to him. But the player is still very confused and doesn´t know why he is in hospital.

Surveillance cameras at the bar captured Jose Jorge Balderas Garza — the prime suspect — leaving the toilet after the shooting.

There were two false reports coming out of Mexico stating that Balderas Garza had been arrested by police. However, they have been denied by the local authorities.

Cabanas was expected to be a key member of the Paraguayan national team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa which begins in June.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Despite fielding several reserves, Cerro Porteno edged rivals Olimpia 2-1 in the 17th round of the Paraguayan Clausura championship.

Olimpia went ahead through Uruguayan midfielder Martin Liguera in the 21st minute, but Jorge Nunez drew Cerro Porteno level in the 34th minute. Argentine striker Roberto Nanni handed El Ciclon the three points when he scored in the 75th minute. Despite having two players sent off in the final fifteen minutes, Cerro hanged onto the result.

Cerro Porteno rested the majority of their first team looking ahead to the Copa Sudamericana semi-final with Fluminense of Brazil on Wednesday. The Paraguayans trail 1-0 after the first leg result in Asuncion.

League leaders Libertad were beaten 3-1 by Guarani for only their fourth loss in 17 games, while second-placed Nacional lost 2-0 to 12 de Octubre. Rubio Nu, who are in third position, also defeated Tacuary 2-0.

In other matches, Sportivo Luqueno edged 2 de Mayo 2-1 and 3 de Febrero beat Sol de America by the same score.

Olimpia are the most successful club in the Paraguayan championship, with 38 titles. They are followed by Cerro Porteno and Libertad, with 29 and 14, respectively.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Paraguay were given a major reality check ahead of the 2010 World Cup, after losing 2-0 to Qatar in a friendly match that took place in the French city of Rouen on Friday. Los Guaranies lacked quality in their game and were beaten after conceding two second half goals.

It was Paraguay´s second consecutive defeat after qualifying for the World Cup. In their first game they lost 2-1 to Chile.

The match called for the return of Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, after missing the last eight rounds of the South American World Cup qualifiers due to a knee injury, but he couldn´t help his side avoid defeat.

Brazilian-born striker Fabio Cesar Montesin put Qatar ahead in the 5th minute when he slotted the ball into the back of the net from close-range after an earlier effort hit the post.

Nine minutes before full-time Montesin put the result out of Paraguay´s reach when he fired a brilliant free kick past Aldo Bobadilla.

Paraguay will be hoping to return to winning ways when they clash with the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Libertad and Nacional, who share top spot of the Paraguayan Clausura championship, were both beaten on the weekend. Libertad suffered a 2-1 defeat to 3 de Febrero and Nacional lost 4-3 to Tacuary.

Libertad couldn´t make the most of their home field advantage and were beaten by lowly 3 de Febrero. Emilio Garcete put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute, but Javier Garcia drew Libertad level in the 37th minute. Orlando Zayas handed 3 de Febrero the three points on the stroke of full-time.

Jose Nunez scored twice and Ramon Cardozo and Lorenzo Silva converted the others, as Tacuary edged Nacional 4-3 in the most exciting match of the round.

Libertad and Nacional remain in first place of the table with 31 points. But they are closely followed by Olimpia and Rubio Nu, both with 28 points.

Olimpia, the only Paraguayan side to have won the Copa Libertadores, are still in the title race after defeating Sportivo Luqueno, while Rubio Nu got the better of Guarani, with a 2-1 win.

That defeat led to the dismissal of Guarani coach Arnaldo Sialle, who will be replaced by Felix Dario Leon, who has already coached the club.

Meanwhile, Cerro Porteno, who are semifinalists of the Copa Sudamericana, beat 12 de Octubre 3-2 with two goals from Ivan Gonzalez and another from Julio dos Santos.

Cerro Porteno will meet Fluminense of Brazil in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals on Wednesday in Asuncion. Six days later the tie will be decided in Rio de Janeiro.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Libertad share Paraguayan league leadership with Nacional, after thrashing 12 de Octubre 3-0.

Javier Gonzalez scored twice for Libertad, and Uruguayan midfielder Omar Pouso converted their other goal.

Nacional lost 2-1 to 2 de Mayo and failed to remain top of the standings on their own after 14 rounds of the Clausura championship.

Nacional went ahead through Ramon Caceres midway through the first half, however, Domingo Martinez drew 2 de Mayo level moments later. Martinez handed the underdogs the three points with another goal after the break.

Guarani jumped into third place after disposing of Tacuary 2-0 with strikes from Hugo Notario and Federico Santander.

Former Paraguayan greats, Olimpia, fought out a 2-2 draw with Rubio Nu and remain in fourth.

Meanwhile, Cerro Porteno, Paraguay´s only representative in the Copa Sudamericana, were beaten 1-0 by Sol de America thanks to a goal from Ricardo Martinez.

Cerro came from a 2-1 victory over Botafogo of Brazil in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarter-final. The series will be decided in Rio de Janeiro on Nov.4.

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

Cerro Porteno progressed to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Goias in Brazil on Thursday. The Paraguayans went through on the away goals rule after winning 2-0 in Asuncion last week.

Goias started strongly and they went ahead right before half-time with a strike from Felipe. The striker met a good ball from Leandro Eusebio and beat Cerro Porteno goalkeeper Diego Barreto with a good finish.

But Goias were reduced to ten-men five minutes later after Everton received a second yellow card. The numerical disadvantage seemed to affect the Brazilians.

After the break the Paraguayans picked up their game, and they drew level through Carlos Ariel Recalde in the 68th minute. It proved to be a vital away goal.

Two minutes later, however, Goias went back into the lead thanks to a brilliant solo effort from Felipe.

Then in the 79th minute Leo Lima met a well-timed cross from Joao Paulo to give the Brazilians a 3-1 advantage. The vocal 16,000 crowd at the Serra Dourada stadium were in full voice after the goal.

Goias threw everything at Cerro Porteno as they searched for a fourth goal that would send them through, but although they came very close they couldn’t score again.

Liga de Quito held Lanus to a 1-1 draw in Argentina and progressed to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana after a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Argentine striker Claudio Bieler put Liga ahead in the 70th minute, but five minutes later Santiago Salcedo drew Lanus level.

Gregory Sica

Goal.com

Southamericanfutbol.com

It seems like an obvious fact, but it’s still amazing: No World Cup has ever been won by a country outside of Europe or South America. In fact, nine of the 17 finals have been battles between representatives of each continent.

This year’s Cup isn’t likely to be any different. In fact, the majority of the countries from the remaining four continents don’t stand a chance, and it’s more than likely that Brazil will win a record sixth championship. That would put South America two up on Europe.

Sounds easy, right? Not exactly.

The Europeans seem to have a notable advantage over their South American counterparts. Not only will the World Cup be played on European soil, but also the continent will be represented by 14 teams, compared to South America’s four.

The World Cup has been hosted by a European nation on nine occasions, and all but one (Brazil in 1958, in Sweden) were won by Europeans. Realistically, South America’s only hopes this year lie with Brazil and Argentina, countries that have won a combined seven Cups and look as strong as ever.

“It would be better if Ronaldinho is the star, while Argentina claims the World Cup, possibly defeating the Brazilians in the final,” says Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Has “The Flea” given us an insight into what might be the championship match?

It’s much too early to anticipate Messi’s dream final, but we can assess the possibilities of both sides, as well as those of fellow South Americans Paraguay and Ecuador.

Paraguay, which will take part in its third consecutive World Cup, knows that inexperience isn’t an excuse anymore. Much of its squad participated in the ’98 and ’02 campaigns, when Paraguay bowed out in the round of 16 against top-quality opposition in France and Germany, respectively.

Traditionally defensive, Paraguay has kept its solidarity but has improved significantly in an attacking sense. The emergence of Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Julio Dos Santos makes the team more dynamic than in past World Cups. Head coach Anibal Ruiz has promised his side won’t stay back too much, preferring to adopt attacking tactics in order to make the most of the speed he has up front.

Paraguay finds itself in what is likely to be a highly contested group that includes England, Sweden and debutantes Trinidad and Tobago. Although both European teams are favorites to advance to the second round, Paraguay has enough talent to proceed.

It’s crucial that the Paraguayans have a positive result in its first group match against England, which should help facilitate its passage to the second round. Expect a compact Paraguay to play on the counterattack, while slowly advancing to control the midfield and looking for empty spaces to exploit England’s defense.

Ecuador enters its second World Cup low with morale — it has only won once in its past nine matches, including a disappointing 2-1 loss against lowly Macedonia last week. Signs don’t look good for the Ecuadorians, although surprisingly, they have a good chance of advancing to the second round.

Besides host Germany, they face manageable competition in Poland and Costa Rica. A victory over the Poles in their opener is essential, although they must be aware that Poland is very quick on the counterattack, something La Tri struggles to cope with. The clash with Costa Rica promises to be an open contest, as both teams play a similar type of game. Ecuador is highly unlikely to upset the Germans on home soil.

Unless something goes very wrong, Brazil will win a historic sixth World Cup. This is by far the strongest team in the tournament. The Brazilians are brilliant in all aspects of their game, and it seems they can only get better. Although they faced relatively weak sides in preparation matches, they displayed some awesome attacking soccer. If that trend continues, it should get them through to the second round without breaking a sweat.

The Seleção is the team to beat, meaning that it is under enormous pressure. At 5-2 odds, there hasn’t been such a clear favorite since the outstanding Brazil side of 1982, which won its group in style before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Italy.

The Brazilians are highly aware of the possible threat from their group opponents. In fact, they were held to draws by Croatia and Japan last year and often meet up with tough sides that are similar in characteristics to Australia. Still, Brazil is clearly superior to its rivals and should find its rhythm as early.

On paper, Argentina is the second-most capable side in the tournament. But  that doesn’t guarantee results. As was the case in ’02, the Argentines find themselves in the Group of Death alongside Ivory Coast, the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro. It’s going to be a fight, but the Albiceleste have a good chance to claim the top spot. In order for that to happen, head coach José Pekerman knows his team must not only play attractive soccer, but effective soccer as well.

For some reason, Argentina sees Ivory Coast as being its most difficult group opponent, while paying little attention to the Netherlands or Serbia, sides that are hoping to win back fans after their notable absences in ’02.

Argentina looks particularly strong and demonstrated its depth in last week’s clear 2-0 victory over Angola. The Argentines dominated the match with good collective play, as well as some early signs of things to come in the attack.

If South America is to retain its World Cup dominance, it will likely be up to Argentina or Brazil to work their magic. In Germany, that task is going to be a fun challenge to watch.

Gregory Sica


Article at Si.com