Paraguay qualify for Copa America QFs against worn out Chile team

Brasilia, Jun 24 (EFE).- With goals from Braian Samudio and Miguel Almiron, Paraguay qualified for the Copa America quarterfinals by defeating a worn-out Chile team 0-2 at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium.

Thirty-three minutes into the game, Paraguayan midfielder Braian Samudio scored against Martin Lasarte’s team by winning a corner kick and nailing a header at an impossible angle for Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

The second goal for Eduardo Berizzo’s pupils came from the penalty spot 58 minutes in, following a foul by Gary Medel on Carlos Gonzalez that Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan did not hesitate to sanction.

Forward Miguel Almiron was in charge of executing the launch from the penalty spot, kicking the ball to Bravo’s right post and stretching Paraguay’s lead.

Outside those two plays, the match did not offer major dangerous situations and a very physically worn and disorderly Chilean team was seen in the midfield.

Chile resented the absence of Erick Pulgar, who during the tournament had given much verticality to the Chilean game, allowing Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz to play more freely.

Chile were erratic in their passing and did not have memorable moments throughout the 90 minutes, with the exception of a hand ball in the penalty area that was dismissed by Roldan after reviewing the play in the VAR.

Miguel Almiron was the outstanding figure of the Paraguayan team, becoming a nuisance for Chile’s defensive line, which couldn’t contain him until he was substituted.

Paraguay now has six points and is second in Group A, after Argentina. EFE

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