12 October, 2017
Anibal Vega struck twice as Paraguay booked a ticket into the knockout stages with a 4-2 victory over New Zealand in their Group B match at the Federation Internationale de Football Association U-17 World Cup on Monday.
The South Americans thoroughly dominated Turkey that they are happy with their forward line but a bit concerned with their defence. The manner of Paraguay's third goal in the 61st minute aptly summed up Turkey's evening and, one would think, their campaign in general.
Adding to Paraguay's strength was some fine saves by their goalkeeper Diego Huesca, whose anticipation and glovework showed his mettle.
Thursday's game started in dramatic fashion with Paraguay earning a penalty in the first minute. Bogado picked his spot in the top left hand corner and curled a free-kick in the 41st minute; Cardozo doubled the lead two minutes later by scrambling the ball low to the goalpost's right-hand corner. Blas Armoa collected a diagonal played from the centre of the park and raced in from the left to set-up Cardozo, who pulled off a delectable back heel past the custodian. As the game pushed past the hour mark, Antonio Galeano made it 3-0, his shot taking a deflection on the way in.
Huesca. It was only the Europeans' second goal of the tournament. They will need to win big against Mali in their last group game in order to edge out the Africans on goal difference.
Favourites Paraguay got a chance to go ahead as early as in the first minute when Blas Armoa was brought down inside the box.
Assured of qualification for the next round, Paraguay had rested three players under yellow-card sanctions, including striker Alan Rodriguez.
Paraguay thrashed New Zealand 3-1 in their final match of Group A to qualify for the round of 16 as group toppers. While Paraguay will face one of the four better third-place finishers, Mali will take on second-placed team from Group F.
