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Showing posts with label Paraguay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paraguay. Show all posts
Monday, July 5, 2010
David Villa scored to bring Spain into the semi-finals
2:07 PM
Villa's goal after 82 minutes - his fifth of the tournament- struck one post, rolled across the goal-line and hit the other, before finally nestling in the net and came seconds after substitute Pedro had also hit the woodwork.
It was heartbreaking for a Paraguay side that had never reached the quarter-final stage before, and who earlier wasted a superb chance to take the lead when Oscar Cardozo's spot-kick was saved by Iker Casillas.
It was heartbreaking for a Paraguay side that had never reached the quarter-final stage before, and who earlier wasted a superb chance to take the lead when Oscar Cardozo's spot-kick was saved by Iker Casillas.
That came after 57 minutes - and before the tie reached the hour mark Spain had also been awarded a penalty by referee Carlos Batres.
In a truly remarkable passage of play, Xabi Alonso scored his first effort but the retake, which came because Spanish players encroached into the area, was saved.
Goalkeeper Justo Villar then appeared to foul Cesc Fabregas as he scrambled to collect the rebound but a third penalty award was not forthcoming, while Sergio Ramos pounced on the loose ball but his shot was blocked on the line.
In truth, it was a brief flurry of excitement that was largely out of kilter during a game that saw relatively few other opportunities.
Spain may have reached a World Cup semi-final for the first time - their fourth place in 1950 was after a round-robin stage - but they will surely need to improve if they are to defeat in-form Germany in Durban on Wednesday.
Their famed passing game was largely absent, while the out-of-form Fernando Torres was withdrawn after 56 minutes.
Paraguay started at a decent pace, certainly settling much quicker than Spain, and created some promising openings.
Jonathan Santana forced a saved with a low strike inside 60 seconds, while Spain consistently struggled to deal with crosses from wide areas.
Sunderland-bound Cristian Riveros headed wide, while Antolin Alcaraz and Santana both peeled away from their markers with far too much ease but could not quite make the decisive contact.
Nelson Valdez, one of six changes from the side that defeated Japan in Pretoria, slotted home from close range shortly before the break but the effort was ruled out by a marginal offside decision.
The Borussia Dortmund forward certainly appeared to be onside but there was a doubt over Cardozo, who attempted but failed to head the cross that eventually fell to Valdez.
At one point Spain looked as though they were starting to gain a measure of control in midfield but Paraguay, who would have topped South America's World Cup qualifying group if they had won their final game, slowed the match down at every opportunity.
Gerardo Martino's team also worked extremely hard to thwart Spain's passing game and looked extremely dangerous on the counter, with the lively Valdez wasting a decent position with an atrocious shot just before the interval after a sharp break.
Xavi went close for Spain with one piece of brilliance, deftly flicking the ball up with one touch before shooting on the turn in a manner reminiscent of a goal Thierry Henry once scored for Arsenal.
However, the midfielder's shot flew narrowly over and it was a slightly disjointed and frustrated Spain that left the field to regroup at the break.
The tie exploded into life with the back-to-back penalties and all the shenanigans that surrounded them.
There was little doubt that Gerard Pique fouled Cardozo for the first when he clung onto the Benfica forward, but the Paraguayan's subsequent penalty was struck at a good height for Casillas.
From the very next attack Alcaraz was adjudged to have brought down Villa, with Alonso comfortably slotting home first time around.
Replays did suggest referee Batres was correct to order a retake - and the prayers of Valdez, who was on his knees just outside the penalty box, were answered when Alonso saw his effort saved and Spain failed to score.
But there was nothing Valdez could do to prevent the prolific Villa from equalling Emilio Butragueno's Spanish record of five goals at a World Cup finals, which was set in 1986.
Villar saved from Iniesta shortly after Spain's goal, but Paraguay did have a chance to equalise late on only for Casillas to block substitute Roque Santa Cruz's effort.
The Paraguay keeper denied Villa as Spain threatened on the break in the final seconds but a second goal would have been harsh on the South American side, who conceded just twice in their five games in South Africa.
In a truly remarkable passage of play, Xabi Alonso scored his first effort but the retake, which came because Spanish players encroached into the area, was saved.
Goalkeeper Justo Villar then appeared to foul Cesc Fabregas as he scrambled to collect the rebound but a third penalty award was not forthcoming, while Sergio Ramos pounced on the loose ball but his shot was blocked on the line.
In truth, it was a brief flurry of excitement that was largely out of kilter during a game that saw relatively few other opportunities.
Spain may have reached a World Cup semi-final for the first time - their fourth place in 1950 was after a round-robin stage - but they will surely need to improve if they are to defeat in-form Germany in Durban on Wednesday.
Their famed passing game was largely absent, while the out-of-form Fernando Torres was withdrawn after 56 minutes.
Paraguay started at a decent pace, certainly settling much quicker than Spain, and created some promising openings.
Jonathan Santana forced a saved with a low strike inside 60 seconds, while Spain consistently struggled to deal with crosses from wide areas.
Sunderland-bound Cristian Riveros headed wide, while Antolin Alcaraz and Santana both peeled away from their markers with far too much ease but could not quite make the decisive contact.
Nelson Valdez, one of six changes from the side that defeated Japan in Pretoria, slotted home from close range shortly before the break but the effort was ruled out by a marginal offside decision.
The Borussia Dortmund forward certainly appeared to be onside but there was a doubt over Cardozo, who attempted but failed to head the cross that eventually fell to Valdez.
At one point Spain looked as though they were starting to gain a measure of control in midfield but Paraguay, who would have topped South America's World Cup qualifying group if they had won their final game, slowed the match down at every opportunity.
Gerardo Martino's team also worked extremely hard to thwart Spain's passing game and looked extremely dangerous on the counter, with the lively Valdez wasting a decent position with an atrocious shot just before the interval after a sharp break.
Xavi went close for Spain with one piece of brilliance, deftly flicking the ball up with one touch before shooting on the turn in a manner reminiscent of a goal Thierry Henry once scored for Arsenal.
However, the midfielder's shot flew narrowly over and it was a slightly disjointed and frustrated Spain that left the field to regroup at the break.
The tie exploded into life with the back-to-back penalties and all the shenanigans that surrounded them.
There was little doubt that Gerard Pique fouled Cardozo for the first when he clung onto the Benfica forward, but the Paraguayan's subsequent penalty was struck at a good height for Casillas.
From the very next attack Alcaraz was adjudged to have brought down Villa, with Alonso comfortably slotting home first time around.
Replays did suggest referee Batres was correct to order a retake - and the prayers of Valdez, who was on his knees just outside the penalty box, were answered when Alonso saw his effort saved and Spain failed to score.
But there was nothing Valdez could do to prevent the prolific Villa from equalling Emilio Butragueno's Spanish record of five goals at a World Cup finals, which was set in 1986.
Villar saved from Iniesta shortly after Spain's goal, but Paraguay did have a chance to equalise late on only for Casillas to block substitute Roque Santa Cruz's effort.
The Paraguay keeper denied Villa as Spain threatened on the break in the final seconds but a second goal would have been harsh on the South American side, who conceded just twice in their five games in South Africa.
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0-1 |
Spain
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FT |
| (HT 0-0) | Villa, 82 | ||
Team |
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Paraguay
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Spain
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Paraguay
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Going Paraguay, Japan Crying through penalty shoot-out
12:51 AM
Gerardo Martino's team scored all five of their penalties after a disappointing match had finished goalless at the end of extra-time.
But Paraguay's joy was Japan's agony as Yuichi Komano's spot kick brushed the crossbar and flew over as the Blue Samurai's tournament came to an agonising end.
As with their opponents, Japan were bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and came closest to scoring during a game of few chances when Daisuke Matsui smashed a long-range strike against the crossbar in the first half.
But Paraguay's joy was Japan's agony as Yuichi Komano's spot kick brushed the crossbar and flew over as the Blue Samurai's tournament came to an agonising end.
As with their opponents, Japan were bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and came closest to scoring during a game of few chances when Daisuke Matsui smashed a long-range strike against the crossbar in the first half.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada had targeted a semi-final place before the tournament but in a game during which neither side really gambled on scoring a winner it is his team that ultimately paid for their lack of ambition.
Their defeat ended Asia's participation in the tournament, but Tuesday's result in Pretoria ensured that there will be four South American sides in the last eight.
Gerardo Martin's team have conceded only once in their four games in South Africa and were defensively solid against a Japan team that had previously looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Japan aimed two long-distance strikes towards the Paraguay goal in the opening minutes but the tie soon deteriorated into a scrappy, edgy contest.
The Blue Samurai, unchanged for their fourth straight World Cup match, sat deep and attempted to snuff out the opposition, while Paraguay conceded a series of niggling fouls every time Japan looked to strike on the counter.
There was one scintillating minute in an otherwise forgettable opening half.
It started when a deft turn from Lucas Barrios briefly left two Japan defenders foundering but his strike with the outside of his right boot was saved.
Seconds later Matsui, whose impressive tournament had a disappointing end when he was withdrawn shortly after the restart, crashed his long-range effort against Justo Villar's crossbar.
Matsui later turned provider for Honda, who opted to strike first time but missed from 20 yards when he clearly had the space to take an initial touch.
Roque Santa Cruz, deployed on the right by Martino, ought to have tested Eiji Kawashima after a corner dropped invitingly but he missed from close to the penalty spot as a largely soporific half ended goalless.
There was not much of an upsurge in entertainment after the restart.
Yuji Nakazawa blocked an Edgar Benitez strike and Sunderland-bound Christian Riveros headed wide after a superb near-post run.
A Yuto Nagatomo strike took a deflection off Carlos Bonet, while one effort from the unfortunate Komano spoke volumes about the lack of attacking quality at vital moments.
The right-back found an advanced position but his shot from a wide angle was so far wide that the subsequent throw-in took place almost 18 yards from the byeline.
Neither team had been able to mount a sustained spell of pressure but Paraguay did enjoy a brief period in the ascendancy shortly after the start of extra-time.
Kawashima saved a disappointing header from Barrios, who was unmarked, and smothered a shot from substitute Nelson Valdez after his sharp turn finally picked a hole in the Japan defence.
Villar saved a low strike from Honda that appeared to be going wide and there was one moment when there appeared to be space inside the Paraguay box but any prospects of Japan capitalising were undermined by an awful cross from substitute Keiji Tamada.
There was a certain inevitability about the penalty shoot-out that eventually took place. Neither keeper came particularly close to making a save but Komano's miss proved decisive.
Their defeat ended Asia's participation in the tournament, but Tuesday's result in Pretoria ensured that there will be four South American sides in the last eight.
Gerardo Martin's team have conceded only once in their four games in South Africa and were defensively solid against a Japan team that had previously looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Japan aimed two long-distance strikes towards the Paraguay goal in the opening minutes but the tie soon deteriorated into a scrappy, edgy contest.
The Blue Samurai, unchanged for their fourth straight World Cup match, sat deep and attempted to snuff out the opposition, while Paraguay conceded a series of niggling fouls every time Japan looked to strike on the counter.
There was one scintillating minute in an otherwise forgettable opening half.
It started when a deft turn from Lucas Barrios briefly left two Japan defenders foundering but his strike with the outside of his right boot was saved.
Seconds later Matsui, whose impressive tournament had a disappointing end when he was withdrawn shortly after the restart, crashed his long-range effort against Justo Villar's crossbar.
Matsui later turned provider for Honda, who opted to strike first time but missed from 20 yards when he clearly had the space to take an initial touch.
Roque Santa Cruz, deployed on the right by Martino, ought to have tested Eiji Kawashima after a corner dropped invitingly but he missed from close to the penalty spot as a largely soporific half ended goalless.
There was not much of an upsurge in entertainment after the restart.
Yuji Nakazawa blocked an Edgar Benitez strike and Sunderland-bound Christian Riveros headed wide after a superb near-post run.
A Yuto Nagatomo strike took a deflection off Carlos Bonet, while one effort from the unfortunate Komano spoke volumes about the lack of attacking quality at vital moments.
The right-back found an advanced position but his shot from a wide angle was so far wide that the subsequent throw-in took place almost 18 yards from the byeline.
Neither team had been able to mount a sustained spell of pressure but Paraguay did enjoy a brief period in the ascendancy shortly after the start of extra-time.
Kawashima saved a disappointing header from Barrios, who was unmarked, and smothered a shot from substitute Nelson Valdez after his sharp turn finally picked a hole in the Japan defence.
Villar saved a low strike from Honda that appeared to be going wide and there was one moment when there appeared to be space inside the Paraguay box but any prospects of Japan capitalising were undermined by an awful cross from substitute Keiji Tamada.
There was a certain inevitability about the penalty shoot-out that eventually took place. Neither keeper came particularly close to making a save but Komano's miss proved decisive.
Paraguay
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0-0 |
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FT |
| (HT 0-0) Paraguay win 5-3 on penalties |
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Team |
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Paraguay
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Japan
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JapanTuesday, June 29, 2010
Draw, Paraguay Lead Group F
4:00 PM
Gerardo Martino's South Americans will now face the runners-up of Group E, while Slovakia, who stunned world champions Italy 3-2 will face the winners of that group.
At the start of the 90 minutes, New Zealand, ranked 77 in the world, also had the chance of reaching the last 16 but wasted their golden opportunity by failing to trouble Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar even once in the match.
At the start of the 90 minutes, New Zealand, ranked 77 in the world, also had the chance of reaching the last 16 but wasted their golden opportunity by failing to trouble Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar even once in the match.
Shots on target could be counted one hand and the best of those came in the second half with Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz stinging the hands of All Whites keeper Mark Paston with a 25-yard free-kick.
The former Bradford and Walsall keeper also had to dive low to get a hand to substitute Edgar Benitez's goalbound drive and also push away a header from Cristian Riveros.
The New Zealand keeper probably welcomed the exercise after he was largely inactive in the first half, crouching down just once to prevent Nelson Valdez's 25-yard shot from trickling in.
Other opportunities fell to captain Denis Caniza, who went into the game with only one goal in 97 appearances for the national side. Unsurprisingly, only two of his four long-range efforts caused small concern for Paston.
New Zealand will rue not having made the most of their chance to cause a World Cup sensation.
But three draws from three matches and finishing one place above 2006 tournament winners Italy means the All Whites travel back east from Polokwane with both pride intact and reputation enhanced.
The former Bradford and Walsall keeper also had to dive low to get a hand to substitute Edgar Benitez's goalbound drive and also push away a header from Cristian Riveros.
The New Zealand keeper probably welcomed the exercise after he was largely inactive in the first half, crouching down just once to prevent Nelson Valdez's 25-yard shot from trickling in.
Other opportunities fell to captain Denis Caniza, who went into the game with only one goal in 97 appearances for the national side. Unsurprisingly, only two of his four long-range efforts caused small concern for Paston.
New Zealand will rue not having made the most of their chance to cause a World Cup sensation.
But three draws from three matches and finishing one place above 2006 tournament winners Italy means the All Whites travel back east from Polokwane with both pride intact and reputation enhanced.
Paraguay
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0-0 |
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FT |
| (HT 0-0) | |||
Team |
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Paraguay
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New Zealand
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New ZealandMonday, June 21, 2010
Enrique Vera of Paraguay opportunities
3:05 PM
Paraguay took a big step towards a place in the last 16 with a stylish victory over a sluggish Slovakia that lifted them to the top of Group F.
A fine goal by Enrique Vera, curled in with the outside of his boot, gave the South Americans the lead and Carlos Riveros made the game safe with a brilliant late strike.
With a final group match against unfancied New Zealand to come, they must now be confident of reaching the knockout stages.
For Slovakia, their inability to raise their game has left them facing an early exit - particularly as they end their group fixtures against reigning champions Italy.
Two draws in the opening matches had left the group finely poised and Paraguay took the chance to assume control by deservedly clinching their first win.
It was achieved by a textbook execution of a high-pressing game and by maximising the attacking options from their 4-3-3 formation.The interchanges between the frontline of Nelson Valdez, Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz - particularly in the first half - caused Slovakia all manner of problems.
And once again in this World Cup, it was a case of the latin brand of short, sharp passing and excellent movement dominating the more rigid European style.
For the first half an hour, Paraguay attacked at will - a deflected Santa Cruz shot brought a fine save from Jan Mucha, Paulo da Silva was inches away from a teasing cross and Cristian Riveros fired in a low shot from outside the box.
Exquisite interplay between Vera and Barrios saw the latter shoot just over before Valdez also fizzed an effort too high.
The breakthrough came on 27 minutes when a sublime Barrios pass split the defence and Vera curled the ball into the corner of the goal with the outside of the boot.
Only then did Slovakia stir and finally created a chance when a corner found Kornel Salata unmarked but he headed over the bar.
Paraguay immediately hit back and almost doubled their advantage after sloppy Slovakian defending let in Santa Cruz, whose low shot was kept out by the foot of keeper Mucha.
After the break, the Paraguayans appeared to play within themselves - sometimes a dangerous policy with such a slender lead to defend.
But Slovakia's lack of invention, flair and creativity was apparent as still they failed to exert any sustained pressure, a Stanislav Sestak cross that evaded Robert Vittek summing up the ineffectiveness of their play.
By contrast, when Paraguay broke from their policy of containment, they came within inches of extending their lead as Santa Cruz delivered an accurate centre and Vera sent his downward header narrowly past the upright.
Much had been expected of Slovakia playmaker Marek Hamsik but the Napoli man was desperately disappointing throughout and he was unable to inspire his team-mates.
Hamsik and his side were unable to find any cohesion and they were finally put out of their misery when Riveros smashed in a fierce drive from the edge of the box.
And while Paraguay have virtually secured their passage out of the group - they need only a point from their final match against New Zealand - Slovakia's failure to get out of first gear has put them on the brink of elimination.
Slovakia |
0-2 |
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FT |
| (HT 0-1) | Vera, 27 Riveros, 86 | ||
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Team |
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Slovakia
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Paraguay
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Substitutes:
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