Paraguay streak on as Argentina lose ground
Friday, 17 October 2008
MONTEVIDEO, Oct 16 (AFP): Paraguay streaked six points clear in the South American World Cup qualifying standings with a goal claimed by both Edgar Benitez and Oscar Cardozo nine minutes from time enough to edge Peru 1-0 at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco.
Benitez got the crucial touch with his left foot for a strike which sent the crowd into raptures as Paraguay moved onto 23 points from 10 games - six clear of an inconsistent Brazil, who could only draw 0-0 at home to Colombia in Rio.
But even Brazil were on form compared with a lacklustre Argentina, who went down to a first-half goal from debutant midfielder Fabian Orellana which brought Chile a 1-0 win that leaves them level on points with the Argentines - one behind the Brazilians.
It was Chile's first ever qualifying success over the 'albiceleste' and first of any description since 1973.
Paraguay's 'Guaranies' have won five home games on the trot and coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said he was happy to have three more points on the board, particularly after a laboured performance on the night.
"The team did not play well - we were rather nervous - but we have three points worth their weight in gold. This is another step along the road. But we have not qualified yet," said Martino.
Benitez, nicknamed the Parrot, said he did not care if Cardozo felt he had a claim on the goal.
"The goal is what matters, not who scored it. I got to (the ball) and he (Cardozo) clipped my foot. It doesn't matter who got it. I am lucky - the ball always falls to me."
Brazilian referee Salvio Fagundes ultimately decided to chalk the goal up to Benitez, who was making a debut appearance from the bench.
"I have always dreamed of wearing the national shirt - thank God it went off well," Benitez enthused.
As the Paraguayans celebrated, Argentina found themselves looking in vain for inspiration from talisman Leo Messi, going down in Santiago to Marcelo Bielsa's Chile.
Benitez got the crucial touch with his left foot for a strike which sent the crowd into raptures as Paraguay moved onto 23 points from 10 games - six clear of an inconsistent Brazil, who could only draw 0-0 at home to Colombia in Rio.
But even Brazil were on form compared with a lacklustre Argentina, who went down to a first-half goal from debutant midfielder Fabian Orellana which brought Chile a 1-0 win that leaves them level on points with the Argentines - one behind the Brazilians.
It was Chile's first ever qualifying success over the 'albiceleste' and first of any description since 1973.
Paraguay's 'Guaranies' have won five home games on the trot and coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said he was happy to have three more points on the board, particularly after a laboured performance on the night.
"The team did not play well - we were rather nervous - but we have three points worth their weight in gold. This is another step along the road. But we have not qualified yet," said Martino.
Benitez, nicknamed the Parrot, said he did not care if Cardozo felt he had a claim on the goal.
"The goal is what matters, not who scored it. I got to (the ball) and he (Cardozo) clipped my foot. It doesn't matter who got it. I am lucky - the ball always falls to me."
Brazilian referee Salvio Fagundes ultimately decided to chalk the goal up to Benitez, who was making a debut appearance from the bench.
"I have always dreamed of wearing the national shirt - thank God it went off well," Benitez enthused.
As the Paraguayans celebrated, Argentina found themselves looking in vain for inspiration from talisman Leo Messi, going down in Santiago to Marcelo Bielsa's Chile.