Paraguay bounce back by beating USA
Reuters - Wednesday 30 March 2011, 03:49
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, March 29 (Reuters) - Paraguay returned to form to hold off the United States on Tuesday
and score a 1-0 international friendly win.
The victory went some way to helping the nation rebound from
a disappointing 3-1 loss to Mexico on Saturday.
Tuesday's win came in the final match of a U.S. hosted
international gathering, serving as a tune-up for June's 2011
CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Oscar Cardoza netted Paraguay's goal in the 17th minute off
a corner, while goalkeeper Justo Villar preserved the win with
some great saves in the second half.
The U.S. had more than
their share of opportunities and out-shot Paraguay 13-5 but
could not finish numerous second-half chances.
One consolation for the hosts was another promising
performance from 18-year-old Juan Agudelo, making his first
start with the national team.
The U.S. were coming off an
encouraging 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi and Argentina in their
first match of these friendlies.
The Americans reached the
2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup final en route to reaching the round of
16 in last year's World Cup.