Colombia vs Paraguay Player Ratings: Luis Diaz and Julio Enciso star in an entertaining 2-2 draw
Colombia shared points with Paraguay after an entertaining 2-2 draw at the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez. Luis Diaz scored and assisted in the opening 15 minutes as Colombia stormed to a two-goal lead. They couldn’t hold onto it as Paraguay fought back brilliantly. Diego Gomez got a goal back before Julio Enciso scored a goal and a half to draw level. Both sides played it out safely for the remainder of the game to share points.
The hosts entered the game having lost their last three games. It allowed Pragauay to overtake them in the table coming into this clash. Nestor Lorenzo was without centre-back Davinson Sanchez, who was injured against Brazil. Carlos Cuesta replaced him in the lineup. Jhon Duran was also welcomed back into the lineup ahead of Jhon Cordoba to provide some firepower. The rest of the lineup remained unchanged.
Gustavo Alfaro was a happy man coming into this clash as his side were unbeaten in seven games. They are in a comfortable position to make it to the World Cup and have to avoid slip-ups now. Despite the convincing result against Chile, he rang changes in attack and defence. Losing Antonio Sanabria to injury made him bring in Gabriel Avalos. Diego Gomez started in defensive midfield, and Matias Galarza found a place on the left of the attack as the defence was left untouched.
The dust from the kickoff barely settled as Colombia raced into the lead on the night. Jhon Duran showcased a good hold-up play to find Jhon Arias. The right winger then slipped in Luis Diaz, who was unmarked on the left side of the box. The Liverpool winger took a decent first touch and showed magnificent skill to create separation from Fabian Balbuena before picking up the top corner at his near post. The clock hit 40 seconds at the end of this sequence as the home crowd erupted with joy.
Paraguay then grew into the game, with Julio Enciso making key contributions. The youngster had a good shot from the outside of the box. But Colombia doubled their advantage in the 13th with a fast break. Jefferson Lerma won a duel to set up James Rodriguez, whose quick touch released Diaz into acres of space. He kept his calm as he made his way to the goal and picked Duran with a rolled pass. The Al-Nassr striker opened his body up and rolled a left-footed finish into the centre of the net against an onrushing Roberto Fernandez.
The second goal prompted an even better response from Paraguay as they completely took charge of the game. Matias Galarza and Gabriel Avalos came close with their chances. Miguel Almiron had the best one of all as he rounded the goalkeeper but failed to put the ball into an empty net with his stronger left foot as Johan Mojica made a desperate dive to deflect it. Claims for a penalty were made, but the referee waved them away.
However, on the stroke of halftime, Paraguay’s pressure paid off as they got a goal back. Junior Alonso swung in a corner from Paraguay’s left-hand side. The ball evaded everyone and made its way to Diego Gomez, who made no mistake with his head from 2 yards out. It paved the way for a thrilling second half where both teams had a shot at victory.
The visitors started the second half with a spring in their step as Enciso set up Galarza in the 50th minute. The winger’s effort was well blocked inside the box by a fantastic slide tackle. Chances were aplenty for them as everyone tried their luck with shots. Enciso, in particular, should’ve found the net when Avalos squared across an empty net for him, but he slipped.
Enciso then scored a goal worthy of winning any game as he drove away from a couple of tackles before unleashing a belter from his right foot into the top right corner. He doesn’t score easy goals, eh? The goal restored much-needed parity as the visitors were clearly the better side ever since going two goals down early on. Enciso’s leaving the field due to an injury in the 73rd minute dashed Paraguay’s hopes of getting a win.
Colombia National Football Team were determined not to let their guard down as they kept defence first. As the game edged towards the full-time whistle, the hosts started attacking, hoping to knick a win.
A draw ensured the status quo was maintained in the table. Paraguay National Football Team sits 5th with 21 points, with Colombia just one position and point below them. Heading into the final 4 games of the qualification, they will be wary of teams catching up from below. Colombia will host Peru, and Paraguay will host Uruguay when these teams take to the field in June.
Colombia Player Ratings
GK – Camilo Vargas – 5/10
Made a straightforward save from Avalos but was found missing when Almiron rounded him. Questionable while coming out to punch a cross but missing it altogether, leading to a Paraguayan goal.
RB – Daniel Munoz – 6.5/10
He was able in defence, as he dealt with Galarza well, mostly. On the odd occasion, he was doubled up by the visitors. Did bombarded forward whenever he had the chance to aid his side.
CB – Carlos Cuesta – 6.5/10
Came into the side thanks to an injury. He justified his place with some aggressive defending. He did allow Avalos to pin him and dictate play. A poor tackle on Enciso just before he scored the second goal for them.
CB – Jhon Lucumi – 7/10
Another good performance from him as he made a lot of blocks and defended his box well. Particularly good in putting foot to ball inside the box and winning the ball cleanly.
LB – Johan Mojica – 6.5/10
A fantastic block to deflect Almiron’s effort into an empty net. He presented himself as an option in attack all the time.
DM – Richard Rios – 6/10
He was given the spin by Enciso multiple times. Despite that, he managed to win some key duels and keep his side up the field.
DM – Jefferson Lerma – 7/10
Won a key aerial duel that helped his side get forward and score their second goal. Superb work ethic to keep pressing and running for the entire game.
RW – Jhon Arias – 7/10
Great awareness to find Diaz for the first goal with a first-time pass. He held the ball like glue and combined well with Munoz on the right-hand side to keep them ticking.
CAM – James Rodriguez – 7/10
A vintage performance from him where he oozed class with every touch. Roamed the entire pitch to dictate play and make chances. Should’ve scored with a header, which was his last touch before being replaced.
LW – Luis Diaz – 9/10
A fast start to the game as he picked up a goal and an assist within the opening 15 minutes. His goal was extremely well taken, as he skipped away from a challenge before firing calmly. The assist, too, was made with great composure to find Duran on a break.
ST – Jhon Duran – 7.5/10
A fantastic return from suspension as he continued his great goal-scoring form. His finish showed how clinical he can be on one-on-ones. Came close to scoring another one in the second half with a header.
Sub – Yerry Mina- 6/10
Brought onto make a defensive bank of three at the back and preserve his side’s single-goal advantage. But he was unfortunate to concede just seconds after coming on.
Sub – Jaminton Campaz- 6/10
Replaced the impressive Arias on the right-hand side.
Manager – Nestor Lorenzo – 6/10
His side made a brilliant start to the game with goals from superstars. However, their familiar lack of concentration hurt them as they conceded with a last touch in the first half. They were second-best in the second half and allowed the visitors to dictate terms. The in-game change to switch to a back three partially worked and spared his blushes. Arrested the slide in form with a draw, and he needs to carry this form going forward.
Also Read: Uruguay 0-1 Argentina Player Ratings: Argentina Trounce on Uruguay in a Low-Stakes Affair
Paraguay Player Ratings
GK – Roberto Fernandez – 6/10
A poor start to the game as he failed to come out and meet Diaz, who had a lot of time in the box. When he came out for the second goal, Duran rolled one past him. He was fine late in the game.
RB – Juan Caceres – 6/10
The right back created good opportunities with his crossing. His cross for Avalos stood out as it nearly resulted in a goal. Defensively, he was nowhere to be seen as Diaz ran riot on breaks.
CB – Fabian Balbuena – 6/10
A harsh start to the game where he was taken off the frame by Diaz with a beautiful piece of footwork. Did recover and put some strong challenges in.
CB – Omar Alderte – 6/10
Did all right in duels but a poor clearance with a header almost allowed Duran to score when they were trailing 2-1.
LB – Junior Alonso – 6.5/10
As his side almost started 1-0 down, defending was never his priority as he started joining the attack frequently. Swung in a fantastic cross for their first goal of the game.
DM – Diego Gomes – 7.5/10
Dictated the tempo of the game well with smart passes and line breakers. His goal at the brink of halftime gave his side a glimmer of hope going forward.
DM – Andres Cubas – 6/10
He was tackling everything that was in his arc to win the ball back excellently. Had a couple of pops at goal too, but his shooting boots were certainly missing.
RW – Miguel Almiron – 7/10
He had the best chance of the game when he rounded the keeper, but was denied by a brilliant block in front of an empty net. In the second half, too, he forced a great save with a ferocious drive from outside the box.
AM – Julio Enciso – 8.5/10
The best player of the visitors by far and large. His quality on the ball and his ability to manipulate it and find passes put him on a higher pedestal. Kept on trying and found a fantastic goal with his right foot from outside the box to level the game.
LW – Matias Galarza – 7/10
He feasted on the service created by Enciso by having some good shots. In the second half, a desperate lunge from Cuesta denied him when he was certain to score. Chance creation could’ve been better, too.
ST – Gabriel Avalos – 7/10
As good as a game can get for a centre-forward without scoring. His linkup play, ability to get on the chances were excellent. He had a good headed chance but put it straight at the keeper. He was creating chances with crossing, too.
Sub – Gustavo Velzquez- 6/10
Replaced Cacarers at half-time and dealt well with the threat of Luis Diaz.
Sub – Antonio Sanabria- 6/10
On to replace Avalos to add some bite to the attack and get a goal.
Sub – Ramon Sosa- 6/10
Tried to replicate Enciso’s creativity as he was injured before being replaced.
Sub – Mathis Villasanti- 6/10
An aggressive start to the game as he conceded a couple of fouls, too.
Sub – Angel Romero – N/A
Manager – Gustavo Alfaro – 7/10
A shocking slow start to the game saw them trail by 2 before a quarter of an hour. But his side kept their head and were fighting. A goal from a set piece helped their cause. In the second half, they blew Colombia out of the water and got level. The ending was edgy, however, as they struggled to control the game.
Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match: Luis Diaz
When did Paraguay last qualify for the World Cup?
Paraguay last made it to the World Cup finals in 2010.
What is Paraguay’s record against Colombia?
Paraguay have only won once against Colombia in 11 meetings having lost 8 and drawn 2.
Who was the best player in Colombia vs Paraguay?
Luis Diaz was the best player in Colombia vs Paraguay.
Who was the worst player in Colombia vs Paraguay?
Camilo Vargas was the worst player in Colombia vs Paraguay.