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Paraguay defeats Costa Rica with late penalty
Paraguay gradually found their way against an organised Costa Rica, who were playing their first game under their new coach.
Substitute Julio dos Santos scored an 85th minute penalty to give Paraguay a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in their Copa America Group C opener on Thursday.
Paraguay gradually found their way after a dismal first half performance against a well-organised Costa Rican side, who were playing their first game under new coach Jorge Luis Pinto.
Colombian Pinto replaced US coach Steve Sampson, who resigned after the Ticos needed away goals to scrape past Cuba in their preliminary round World Cup qualifier last month.
Fielding their under-23 team in preparation for the Athens Olympics Games, Paraguay struggled to string any moves together for much of the game.
By contrast, Costa Rica surprised Paraguay with their brisk passing and the attacking duo of Andy Herron and Ronald Gomez posed a constant threat.
Gomez came close to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute when his fierce left-footed half-volley was parried at the second attempt by Paraguay goalkeeper Diego Barreto.
Barreto was in action again four minutes later when he saved a close range shot from the same player.
At the other end, Ernesto Cristaldo squandered two free kicks by shooting high and wide from good positions.
As the first half degenerated into a midfield dogfight, neither side seemed able to producing the free-scoring entertainment seen in the opening games in Groups A and B.
But the arrival of substitute Dos Santos provided an attacking penetration down the right flank, and Paraguay created a string of attacking opportunities.
The best chance fell to Carlos Paredes, but the Reggina player -- one of only two regular internationals in the team alongside defender Carlos Gamarra -- fired a close ranged header over the bar.
Costa Rica looked to have earned their draw until Paraguay substitute Fredy Barreiro collapsed at the lightest of touches by Mauricio Wright and Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz awarded the decisive penalty.
