Riveros scores Paraguay's second
Goals in each half from Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros were enough to give the South Americans all three points against a lacklustre Slovakia outfit.
Paraguay dominated from the off and it came as no surprise to see them take the lead on 26 minutes with a fine finish from Vera.
Riveros made the game safe four minutes from time with a well taken goal to leave Slovakia with an uphill battle of reaching the next round.
Paraguay were the better side from the off and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz almost gave his side the lead in the third minute, his effort turned away by goalkeeper Jan Mucha.
Shortly afterwards Nelson Valdez turned quickly but saw his effort go wide.
Paraguay were dominating and Riveros brought another fine save from Mucha
Paraguay’s pressure finally paid on the 27th minute when Barrios released Vera and he hooked the ball home.
Santa Cruz almost adding a second a minute later only for Mucha to clear the ball.
Vera should have done better when he steered a header wide on 72 minutes following good work from Santa Cruz.
Paraguay eventually doubled their lead with five minutes of normal time remaining minute when Da Silva played the ball into Riveros and he curled a shot into the corner.
Slovakia’s only chance worthy of the name, came in injury time when substitute Filip Holosko’s shot was turned over by goalkeeper Justo Villar.
Paraguay 2-0 Slovakia:
Scorers: Vera 27, Riveros 86
Half-time: 1-0
Teams:
Slovakia: 01 Mucha, 02 Pekarik, 03 Skrtel, 21 Salata (Stoch, 83), 06 Strba, 07 Weiss, 08 Kozak, 16 Durica, 17 Hamsik, 09 Sestak, (Holosko, 70), 11 Vittek.
Paraguay: 01 Villar, 03 Morel, 14 Da Silva,21 Alcaraz, 06 Bonet, 13 Vera (Barreto, 87), 15 V Caceres, 16 Riveros, 09 Santa Cruz, 18 Valdez (Torres, 68), 19 Barrios (Cardozo, 82).
Attendance: 26,643
Referee: Eddy Maillet (Seychelles).
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