Paraguay have just defeated the United States 3-1. Paraguay scored first when Edgar Barretto finished a very well-worked play in the center of the field, and the USA equalized when Ricardo Clark struck and equally well-worked effort off a set piece. In the second half Paraguay were the more energetic side and took the lead when Cardozo exploited a horror backpass to slot the ball past Keller, and in injury time Salvador Cabanas struck a perfect free-kick to finish the game. As for the USA, too many open chances on goal that were unconverted, and too many shaky moments in the back.
Paraguay go through to the quarterfinals on this result. The USA need a win and a lot of help to go through as one of the best third place teams.
More later after I take a walk around the block to cool off...
MORE: Argentina beat Colombia 4-2 to book their place in the last eight. They fell behind early but tied the match on a Crespo penalty (who managed to injure himself while taking it), and then took the lead on two goals by Riquelme. First Riquelme surged into the penalty area to head a cross from Milito on the right, and then he threaded a free-kick through the wall into the goal in stoppage time of the first half. Colombia scored in the final quarter-hour and pushed aggressively for the equalizer, but Argentina wrapped up the points when Milito's shot took a deflection off a Colombian player and went past Calero into the net.
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