Paraguay too strong for Slovakia
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Paraguay eased to a 2-0 victory over World Cup debutants Slovakia in their Group G match on Sunday.
The first goal came in the 27th minute when the impressive forward Lucas Barrios fed the ball through to midfielder Enrique Vera, who finished smartly with the outside of his right foot half second before two defenders shut the door.
Another midfielder Cristian Riveros sealed the win in the 86th minute when a free kick was played into the box and it was eventually worked back to Riveros who hit an excellent left-foot shot home.
Vera, who shone in the game, almost widened the lead in the 71st minute, when forward Santa Cruz sprinted down the left and clipped in for Vera to head just wide.
Slovakia saved their best moment till the end. A neat turn and thunderous shot from forward Robert Vittek was turned over by Paraguay keeper Justo Villar. The shot on 92 minutes was Slovakia's first shot on target in the game.
Totally controlling the duel, Paraguay were solid and their front three of Cruz, Barrios and Nelson Valdez were lively. Vera on the right wing looked to get forward a lot and was rewarded with a goal, while Riveros rounded things off in style.
Paraguay, who used to be a great team in defence, showed their attacking talents today.
Slovakia, who entered World Cup finals for the first time, played a bit nervously and failed to show their best. They set up to defend in the first-half, and nothing really changed after they went a goal down. A lack of ambition hindered their ability to pull off a shock.
In their first group matches, Paraguay tied Italy 1-1 while Slovakia drew New Zealand 1-1. So far, Paraguay are topping the group with four points from two matches.
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