Paraguay defeats Brazil 2-0

Another outstanding performance by the Albirroja led to an awaited victory over Brazil. Fans packed the “Defensores del Chaco” in Asuncion, in a sea of red, white and blue. Paraguay had its ups and downs during the game, but with high concentration, perfect teamwork, and character; we were able to keep the Brazilians far from our goal and carry the victory through.

Goals: Roque Santa Cruz & Salvador Cabanas.

To me, Salvador Cabanas was the man of the match. The Brazilian concerns about him were very well founded. A couple of weeks ago he almost single-handedly eliminated both Flamengo and Santos from the Libertadores, scoring a total of four goals (in two games) on them. Today, he scored again and was denied by the goalpost twice!

Santa Cruz played with his usual class. After we were left with 10 men on the field, early in the 2n half, Roque led a counter-attack carrying the ball from the midfield at top speed. As he was closing in on the goal, he seemed to get further and further from his marker. He shot to the goalies opposite post. He did everything right, and it was the Brazilian goalkeeper’s credit to deflect the shot. Fortunately, Cabanas was there to knock in the deflection.

The 2-0 lead, calmed our anxieties about playing the rest of the game with 10 men. From then on, Brazil maintained ball possession but never really threatened. Caceres, da Silva, Caniza, and Vera were completely synchronized.

The best of Brazil were two shots on goal by Anderson; both were saved with difficulty by Villar.

We are now comfortably leading by three points.

Next stop is La Paz, Bolivia. Paraguay’s objective is to collect another three points there. Our “Mexican” legions, used to playing at high altitudes, should be able to handle that environment well.

VAMOS ALBIRROJA!!!!!!!!

Un abrazo,