Elizaga ensures Ecuador frustrate Paraguay
Reuters - Sunday 03 July 2011, 23:45
SANTA FE - Ecuador goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga
made several fine saves to secure a 0-0 draw with Paraguay
in their Copa America Group B match on Sunday.
The result left the group goalless after a similar result in
holders Brazil's opening match against Venezuela in La Plata.
Argentine-born Elizaga dived to push away Roque Santa Cruz's
header from Marcelo Estigarribia's left cross midway through the
second half.
Midfielder Edgar Barreto had an excellent chance for
Paraguay early in the match right in front of goal from another
left cross by the dangerous Estigarribia but Elizaga pushed his
close-range shot over the bar.
Elizaga then saved at the base of the post from midfielder
Nestor Ortigoza before Ecuadro carved out their first good
chance close to the half hour.
Striker Christian Benitez jinked his way past several
defenders into the box and looked set to beat Justo Villar but
the Paraguay keeper got his foot to the ball and deflected it.
There were also near misses for Ecuador from midfielders
Segundo Castillo and Walter Ayovi and striker Felipe Caicedo.