Paraguay scored twice in the first half to beat toothless Venezuela 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and stay top of the South American group.
Cristian Riveros and Nelson Haedo Valdez scored the goals after poor defending by the visitors.
Paraguay, who have a 100 percent record from their four home games, top the 10-team group with 17 points and will complete the eighth round of matches in first position regardless of the outcome of the four games due to be played yesterday.
PHOTO: AP
Venezuela, the only South American team never to have played at a World Cup, remained on seven points after their third successive defeat.
Riveros stabbed the ball in from close range after 28 minutes when he was quick to react after Claudio Morel Rodriguez’s low pass into the area deflected off a Venezuela defender.
Paraguay’s second goal came when Julio Manzur’s long clearance out of defence was headed on by Roque Santa Cruz into the path of the unmarked Haedo Valdez, who placed his shot under Renny Vega.
PHOTO: AP
Blackburn Rovers’ striker Santa Cruz, back after an ankle injury made him unavailable for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Argentina, directed Paraguay’s powerful attack, while Venezuela — faced with a tough defense — failed to muster a single shot to test Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villa at Defensores del Chaco Stadium in the Paraguayan capital.
Venezuela have yet to score in five World Cup qualifiers — all losses — in Asuncion.
Paraguay next play Colombia on Oct. 11. Venezuela host Brazil on the same day.
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