Paraguay 2 – Brasil 2

July 13th, 2011 | by: Victor | Comments Off

This was a very painful draw, almost as painful as a defeat. Paraguay predictably suffocated the Brazilians high on the field, but we did not remain concentrated 100% of the game which is why we let this certain victory escape.

After beginning the 2nd half down by 0-1, our efforts and teamwork paid off and we took a 2-1 lead to almost the last minute of the game. By that time, it looked like Brazil had nothing left, nothing left to say. But sure enough, a last minute distraction on our part allowed the very skillful Fred to fire and draw in the very last minute of the game.

I am proud of this talented and aggressive Paraguayan selection that are capable of beating anybody. We have been a little out of luck in these last two games since we deserved to beat both Ecuador and Brazil. Brazil in particular was very lucky.

I really hope we meet them again and beat them properly next time.

Some Player Comments

Justo Villar
Solid in the air and on the ground. He saved us from two one-on-one Brazilian goal opportunities.

Antolin Alcaraz
I liked his game very much. He continuously recovered balls and played them smartly during the whole game. However, he was out of position in Brazil’s second goal since only Da Silva and Torres challenged Fred.

Nestor Ortigoza
He is finally well adjusted to Paraguay. There is no reason to remove him from the team now.

Marcelo Estigarribia
He is the hidden gem of our team. He is having a great tournament and nobody is challenging his position anytime soon. He repeatedly outplayed Dany Alves the weasel. Alves made a clearly intentional handball in the Brazilian penalty area the referee did not call.

Roque Santacruz
He is taking great responsibility and delivering. This has been the best game of Santacruz in years for either club or country. As we say in Spanish, he is “putting the team on his shoulders”. Although he missed a clear scoring opportunity in the beginning of the game he calmly finished a brilliant assist from Estigarribia. He also assisted Haedo in our second goal.

Enrique Vera
Very spirited as usual, but it is a shame he missed the opportunity to bury Brazil 3-1, ten minutes before the end of the game.

Venezuela Preview.

This is will be a very difficult game for Paraguay. The type of game we are least comfortable with. We will have to attack continuously under the pressure of getting eliminated. Still, judging from how solidly we have been playing, I believe we will come out on top. It looks like draw will be enough to qualify, but what happens if both Paraguay and Brazil draw and have equal goals?

Venezuela handles the ball very well while this is still one of our weaknesses. Our physical strength and endurance should make the difference in our favor. This was particularly evident against Brazil. Did you see how the bulky Riveros pushed the feathery Dany Alves aside like an amateur in our 2nd goal? This should make a difference against Venezuela also.

I am optimistic, as usual, and I predict we will meet Venezuela again in the quarterfinals.

Vamos Albirroja!!!!