Paraguay bid farewell to their fans in a friendly match against Nicaragua ahead of their World Cup debut against the United States on June 12. While the 4-0 victory was convincing, the most important moment of the night was the injury to Julio Enciso, which raised alarm within the team.
From the opening minute, it was clear that Paraguay were the better side. While they built a two-goal lead in the first half, the main story of the day was Enciso’s reaction. The creative midfielder stopped play, punched the grass in pain, and grabbed the back of his right leg before leaving the field in tears with an injury that could be a tear or it may just be a knock.
Manager Gustavo Alfaro opted to make 10 substitutions at halftime to spread the minutes around. Even with the changes, Paraguay did not lose their attacking intent, as the bench players looked eager to show their quality. That helped complete a clear 4-0 win and give the fans reason to feel optimistic.
Full time
90′ The referee blows the final whistle.
Unused players for Paraguay
88′ Olveira, Pitta and Ávalos are the only Paraguay players who have not featured today.
Alfaro milestone for Paraguay
80′ For the first time under Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay score more than two goals in a single match.
Paraguay push for more goals
75′ Paraguay continue to attack and look for more goals despite their comfortable lead.
Sosa denied on the line for Paraguay
70′ Ramón Sosa strikes with his left foot, but Joab Gutiérrez clears it off the line to deny the goal.
GOAAAAAAAL: Maidana for Paraguay
66′ A cross into the box falls to Rodrigo Maidana, who finishes to score for Paraguay.
GOAAAAAAAL: Galarza for Paraguay
61′ Mauricio Magalhães shoots, the goalkeeper saves but spills the rebound, and Matías Galarza reacts quickest to score from the rebound for Paraguay. It is his third goal in 15 matches for the national team.
Montes booked for Nicaragua
56′ Jacob Montes receives a yellow card for Nicaragua.
Paraguay lineup after substitution
53′ Orlando Gil, Gustavo Velázquez, Fabián Balbuena, Agustín Canale, Rodrigo Maidana, Ramón Sosa, Matías Galarza, Braian Ojeda, Mauricio Magalhães, Alex Arce, Roberto Fernández Caballero.
Substitutions for Paraguay
Paraguay make 10 changes at the start of the second half, completely reshuffling their lineup.
Second half underway
The second half is underway between Paraguay and Nicaragua.
Halftime
45+4′ The referee blows the whistle for halftime with Paraguay leading Nicaragua 2-0.
Alderete misses a late chance for Paraguay
45+3′ Omar Alderete is unable to turn the ball into the net after a rebound falls his way following a corner kick.
GOAAAAAAAL: Almirón for Paraguay
41′ Paraguay launch a counterattack and the ball falls to Miguel Almirón, who finishes it off to score Paraguay’s second goal.
Gustavo Gómez heads wide for Paraguay
40′ Gustavo Gómez rises highest on a corner kick, but his header goes wide of the target.
Sanabria creates a chance for Paraguay
39′ Antonio Sanabria makes a good play and sets up Mauricio Magalhães for a shot, but the goalkeeper makes the save and pushes it out for a corner.
Enciso injury affects the atmosphere
30′ The atmosphere has quieted down considerably following the injury to Paraguay’s top player just days before the team’s debut.
Substitution for Paraguay
24′ Julio Enciso is unable to continue and leaves the field in tears. Mauricio Magalhães comes on for Paraguay.
Enciso goes down for Paraguay
23′ Julio Enciso falls to the ground and slams the turf in frustration after appearing to suffer a possible injury.
GOAAAAAAAL: Romero Gamarra for Paraguay
16′ Alejandro Romero Gamarra takes the penalty with his left foot and chips it into the net to give Paraguay the lead.
Sanabria wins a penalty for Paraguay
14′ Juan José Cáceres sends in a cross, but Antonio Sanabria is unable to head it home. Paraguay are then awarded a penalty.
Gutiérrez booked for Nicaragua
14′ Joab Gutiérrez receives a yellow card for Nicaragua.
Dog interrupts the match
9′ The match is temporarily stopped after a dog runs onto the field.
Almirón and Romero Gamarra active for Paraguay
6′ Miguel Almirón and Alejandro Romero Gamarra have looked very active for Paraguay early in the match.
Match underway
The match between Paraguay and Nicaragua is now underway.
The list
Paraguay’s final 26-man World Cup roster has been officially confirmed.
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Confirmed lineup for Nicaragua
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Confirmed lineup for Paraguay
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Match delayed
The start of the match was pushed back by half an hour and is now scheduled to kick off at 18:45 ET.
The antecedent
Paraguay defeated Nicaragua 2-0 on June 18, 2023, in the only previous meeting between the two nations.
The group
Paraguay were placed in Group D with the United States (June 12), Turkey (June 19), and Australia (June 25), while Nicaragua did not qualify for the World Cup.
The stadium
The venue for this match is Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Paraguay. It has a capacity of 34,451.
Welcome!
Welcome to live coverage of the match Paraguay vs Nicaragua.
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