Paraguay 0-0 Venezuela (AET): Paraguay win on penalties – again
The starting line-ups
Paraguay are, amazingly, through to the Copa America final having drawn all five games in the competition so far.
As he did for the Spain game in last summer’s World Cup, Gerardo Martino made numerous changes to his side, partly because of Antolin Alcaraz’s suspension, which meant a big reshuffle at the back. Nestor Ortigoza returned to the midfield.
Cesar Farias also changed things due to Tomas Rincon’s ban – Giacomo Di Giorgi replaced him. Upfront, where Farias has rotated his strikers all tournament, Alejandro Moreno played just off Jose Rondon.
The game was not as tedious as a “0-0 after extra time” may look on paper – Paraguay played good attacking football in the opening stages, whilst Venezuela should have scored at least once in extra time.
Paraguay shape
With Venezuela lining up in their usual 4-4-2 / 4-2-2-2, the interest in this game came from Paraguay. Martino is fairly set on a 4-4-2 / 4-3-3 hybrid that involves a striker starting in a wide position, but he switched things around here, by playing Nelson Valdez predominantly from the left, rather than from the right. He made diagonal runs from the left flank and often ended up in the right-sided channel, combining well with his ex-club teammate Lucas Barrios upfront. A couple of early balls into that channel put Valdez through on goal, but his first touch was often poor.
The first of those balls came from Ortigoza, who provided the invention Paraguay had missed against Brazil. In that game, Martino wanted mobility in the centre of midfield to press Brazil, but here Ortigoza had time and space to pick out clever passes to the flanks and to the forwards – Paraguay might not have scored, but they were still more of an attacking threat.
Because of the change to the shape of the Paraguay side (and Dario Veron moving into the centre) Martino brought in an attacking right-back, Marcos Cacaeres, for his first start of the competition. His positioning and forward runs were good – he stretched the play and forced Juan Arango back, but he frequently played poor passes and failed to put good balls into the box.
Venezuela didn’t simply play on the counter, because there was some desire to win the ball higher up the pitch and break up Paraguayan moves before they’d really started. They struggled to connect their wide players and the two forwards, however, and didn’t create too much in open play. They really missed Rincon’s driving runs from the midfield, and lacked attacking intent from that zone.
Second half + extra time
We haven’t seen many inspiring substitutions in this Copa America, and the six changes here did little other than slowing the tempo and making both sides disjointed. Martino brought on Marcelo Estigarribia for Barreto on the right, and then Roque Santa Cruz for Valdez. Santa Cruz went to the right, with Estigarribia over to his preferred position on the left. Then, however, Santa Cruz only lasted five minutes before collecting an injury, which meant Osvaldo Martinez became the fourth right-winger within ten minutes – and Paraguay were noticeably lacking in ideas when they went forward – as if their midfielders had to check which two players were actually occupying the two wide roles before playing a pass.
The one exception was Farias’ introduction of Giancarlo Maldonado, a forward, for Cesar Gonzalez down the right. He offered a direct attacking option from the flank, and with Paraguayan left-back Ivan Piris playing a much more reserved role than Caceres on the other side, Maldonado didn’t have to do much defending. This substitution, in the 85th minute, helped Paraguay push on in extra time, and Maldonado’s good skill and shot produced a good chance for fellow substitute Miku – his instinctive effort hit the post.
Paraguay played the second half of extra time with ten men after Jonathan Santana’s red card – yet another holding player who has been lured into a needless tackle when already on a booking.
Conclusion
Martino won the tactical battle early on – his shape worked well, creating chances for the front two. The reintroduction of Ortigoza was a big factor in the increased creativity from the centre of the pitch.
Martino’s substitutions hampered Paraguay, however – although he can’t be blamed for Santa Cruz’s injury, which was one sub completely wasted. His side looked disorganised late on, and Farias used his final change for a pure attacking move with the introduction of Maldonado – if it wasn’t for the woodwork, that would have been an inspired move.
Paraguay 0-0 Venezuela (AET): Paraguay win on penalties – again
This Copa América is one of the worst I remember, at least talking about goals and exciting moments in the boxes. We already had a pretty poor WC last year in the goals department and this tournament isn’t going much better.
If this is where international football is heading to, then I’d rather not watch it anymore. Only defensive teams seem to be successful, Spain being the only exception.
HAHAHAHA!
Spain are the ones which started this pathetic trend of overprotective ‘flooding midfield’ formations. They’re the ones which can only play slow 5 yard passes with no excitement.
It’s a common misconception they’re an ‘attacking’ side. Look at how many backwards passes they make back across their CBs and in their own half.
The only reason Spain are ’successful’ is the pathetic diving/playacting, which is aided by their well-documented purchasing of the 2010 WC referees.
I’m pretty sure Spain were “successful” at winning the Eurocup and World Cup because they could pass and move faster than any other team. Xavi and Iniesta have won every major trophy since 2008 (with their sides scoring a $hit-ton of goals), so I don’t really think the tactics employed at Barca and Spain are “pathetic.”
They wouldn’t win a thing with their predictable 5 yard slow passes, if the refs didnt help them:
2009 ecl chelsea penalties not given
2010 world cup long list of incidents including foul on Robben
2011 ecl long list of incidents including non existent Pepe red card
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Cheating is the way to go in modern football. Just look at Suatez’ handball.
HAHAHAHA!
You funny man… you funny…
“They wouldn’t win a thing with their predictable 5 yard slow passes”
If they are predictable how come they win so much and dominate so much? Does that mean that other teams are stupid and can’t deal with the obvious?
Tell us what do you considered a clean, no-cheating, exciting football team?
How can a ref influence a game so much that the opposition chase after Spain’s passes for 90 minutes without ever getting near them? Please go comment on goal.com or something.
Nick, I get the feeling you are just taking the piss, trying to get a reaction (which has worked), but if not, and you are for real, PLEASE GET OFF THIS SIGHT. You have somehow mistaken this sight for a Spain/Barca conspiracy website!
This site is for tactical analysis not “The world according to Nick.”
*PAR vs VEN:
Really average game in terms of tactics. I was really looking forward to Roque Santa Cruz’s substitution and the different way Paraguay would look to go forward because of his presence – but it wasn’t to be.
Paraguay could definitely have done with O.Cardozo for this tourny (For some goals!)
I thought in the first half Venezuela looked to get into Paraguay’s half as much as possible. They spent a lot of time in there half – meaning they could draw fouls in more dangerous areas. This worked okay as a tactic, as set-pieces seem to be their strength in this tourny. But I would have liked to have seen a more free flowing encounter.
Peace out
Every team benefits and is harmed by refereeing decisions every now and again.
2009 ECL vs Chelsea: Abidal sent off unfairly, no penalty given to Alves in the first leg.
2010 World Cup: De Jong not sent off for flagrant foul to the chest of Xabi Alonso
2011 ECL: Offside goal given to Manchester United in the final. Marcelo dives in the league game for a PK. No penalty given to Villa in that same game when he is fouled by Casillas.
Now we can argue about whether these calls were correct or not, but that’s not the point. The point is, you see how easy it is to pick a few questionable calls and say none of it matters? Every team has their bits of good and bad luck, but in the end, it’s usually the best team that wins.
To Madrid fans, two teams play each other. The results are 5-0, 2-0, 1-1, 1-1, and 0-1 (after extra time). Is there any doubt which team is better?
I’m glad to see most commentators here agree that this is just nonsense.
Any chance of banning this pillock from the internet?
I believe you’re confusing Spain with Farca.
Agree. International football is terrible these days. The top players play way below their potential. They’re all either worn out from the season, half-assing it, or playing in stupid formations against bunker teams.
Good site, ZM, with quality articles. My question actually has nothing to do with this match; why does Argentina never seem to decide on a regular role for Lionel Messi? At the World Cup he was played in the hole, but seemed to struggle a little, and he has been played as a false nine, winger and deeper playmaker in the year since, whereas at Barcelona I can’t recall him being played anywhere other than as a false nine or right winger. Why do Argentina seem to know less about their own player’s strengths?
2 words: Xaviniesta, Alves
If Paraguay end up winning the tournament on PKs after another 0-0, would there be any argument as to who would be ZM’s team of the decade for the 2010-2019 decade? We are already looking at a potential team of decade. You can’t be more tactical than winning a tournament without winning a game.
We could be watching football history in the making here. I know what I’m rooting for on Sunday. A 0-0 and penalties. That would go down as one of the great achievements in football. Sure it maybe grating on the eye, but it is unique.
Here is an amzing statisitic in regards to Paraguay and knockout stage football. Since the ‘98 World Cup, Paraguay have played four knockout games in the World Cup and have not scored a goal. They have only conceded three goals in those four games.
In the Copa America since ‘99 they have played a total of 5 knockout games (1 in ‘99, 1 in ‘01, 1 in ‘07 and 2 in ‘11) and have scored a total of two goals.
In their last 9 knockout games they have gone without scoring a goal in 6 of them. It’s amazing stuff.
This has probably been the worst tournament ever and it’s only fitting that it has the worst tournament champion in history.
haha, fuck paraguay.
First comment from a devout reader. As a fan of quality football, and also of quality commentary, this is a welcome oasis from the swirling pool of nonsense that surrounds the sport. As a programmer what is interesting to me is that in the history of programming there are numerous situations where professional programmers, who should have known best, did what in hindsight is the silliest thing imaginable. I am similarly amazed how frequently former professional footballers display staggering ignorance, combined with a total lack of ability to learn from very recent history.
Anyway, a quick note:
“This substitution, in the 85th minute, helped Paraguay push on in extra time, and Maldonado’s good skill and shot produced a good chance for fellow substitute Miku – his instinctive effort hit the post.”
I think that it should read “…helped Venezuela push on in extra time…” if I am not mistaken.
Lastly thanks for keeping up a great blog.
Jairo Santos, 8 times official Brazilian National Team observer, on July 21, 2011.
Congratulations on the quality of the articles in Zonalmarking.
These are the 5 reasons for the changes in the Paraguay side for the match against Venezuela:
1. The red card of Antolín Alcaraz brought the return of Dario Verón in a left central back role;
2. The injury of Aureliano Torres and of his natural reserve, Elvis Marecos, led to the inclusion of Ivan Pires, in a somewhat unusual role in the left side, since he is naturally a right back;
3. Caceres plays more as central defender, in Racing, but may also play as a right back, which he did, due to the circumstances;
4. In midfield, injuries of Enrique Vera and some discomfort of Marcelo Estigarribia resulted in the inclusion of Jonathan Santana and Nestor Ortigoza.
5. Nelso Haedo continued to played, since Santa Cruz was not completely match fit.
Defending the way Paraguay does is a work of art, and demands more tactical acumen and more discipline and more hard work than a regular attack/defend team.
I know it’s horrible to watch, but this Paraguay deserves study. After all, the only team that could beat them 1-0 (83′ minute goal) is Spain. Netherlands tried and couldn’t.
On the other hand, they don’t seem to care about friendlies and often lose those, experimenting with young players or trying new formations. But whenever Paraguay is taking a game seriously enough, they are basically undefeatable.
This is total BS. Defending the way Paraguay does is the easiest way to form a team. It requires very little creativity, talent, and technique.
It’s funny because they really should have beaten Spain. IIRC the ref blew a terrible call which gifted the win to Spain.
If you’re offside, then it’s not a terrible call to be called offside!
Any other day, Venezuela would have won, as Paraguay didn’t creat any clear chances. However, any other day, Chile would have beaten Venezuela. Copa of surprises.
Venezuela can hold their heads up high. They started the tournament as the biggest underdogs, and ended it in the semi finals forcing a good Paraguay team to defend for their lives. They will have a sour taste in their mouths, but they should be very proud.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the officials in the game. I’ve noted you stick to reviewing strategy and tactics, but this time the officials’ calls made a very significant difference in the outcome that would have changed conclusions on the teams’ strategies.
This website his just full of gimmicks and provides no meaningful insight. The articles are simple walkthroughs of the matches, designed it seems for people who either didn’t watch or didn’t pay attention. I came here looking for tactical understanding of why teams are successful, which is nowhere to be found.
Demand a refund.
It’s actually pretty easy to find, you must not be looking hard.
Do try to be quiet
Is it really unfair on Venezuela not to go through? Paraguay should be given credit for defending deep and containing Venezuela well.
Hi ZM,
I don’t usually comment because I often feel I’m in over my head.
I just wanted to say “Thank you!” for your consistency.
This tournament has been a disappointing one for many viewers who want to see goals, scoring chances, brilliant performances by stars and glamorous fixtures.
Among those who have chosen to comment, it seems many of them missed a trick. Many if not all Venezuelans who put on the vinotinto in this fixture were playing in the biggest match of their lives. Did any of these know-alls identify a player or two who could do a job at the club that they support?
The majority of comments are insulting and unproductive, but you have given this match the same faithful 500 words, diagrams, and analysis that you give to every analysis.
Keep up the great work!
Cheers
I have to say, Ortigoza must be one of the players of the tournament, filled with creativity, that portly wee lad is just brilliant.
I’m not sure how Paraguay will do in the final having gone to extra time and penalties two times in a row- and if they do it again, well a team will have won the Copa America without winning a game, something which would just about sum up this year’s tournament.
I am surprised nobody has commented on the full out team-wide brawl between the sides after the refs left the pitch. Shambolic stuff commonly seen in Conmebol in Libertadores and Copa America. Amazingly teams only get a slap on the wrist for the shenanigans.
Its more entertaining than the football currently on offer in this Copa America