Uruguay beat Paraguay to qualify in second place

Uruguay beat Paraguay 1-0 in their final game in Group A to qualify in second place while Paraguay drop down to third place and join them in the quarterfinals.

The only goal of the game was scored by from the penalty spot to ensure the Celeste now face Colombia in the quarterfinal on Saturday. Paraguay, on the other hand, will meet Peru on friday.

Uruguay dominated the start of the game and created three good chances to take the lead. First Cavani sent a header wide of the goal but Giorgian De Arrascaeta sent two efforts on goal straight at the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

On 20 minutes, Uruguay were finally able to break the deadlock. Nahitan Nández was pushed by Ángel Romero in the area and Cavani converted the penalty with real authority.

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The Manchester United was again involved in what was almost a second on 27 minutes. De La Cruz came forward with the ball and set up Cavani to cross into the box. Omar Alderete arrived just in time to prevent De Arrascaeta making it two.

To make things worst, Paraguay, who had been struggling in attack then lost their main man Miguel Almirón. The Newcastle forward left the field in considerable discomfort and was visibly upset as he took his place on the bench.

Uruguay remained on top following the break. Federico Valverde had an excellent effort which Antony Silva confidently denied.

Early in the second half, Paraguay were finally able to create a chance of their own but Óscar Romero was clearly offside as he headed the ball into the Uruguay net from close range.

The Celeste had further chances they were unable to convert but the 1-0 win was enough for the points that lift Oscar Tabárez’ side into second place. Uruguay now face Colombia while Paraguay will meet Peru.

NUMBERS FROM THE GAME

• Uruguay are now 16 games undefeated against Paraguay at the CONMEBOL Copa América (10 wins, 6 draws). This win means Uruguay have won all of their last four meetings.

• Paraguay have not conceded more than one goal in their last 7 games at the CONMEBOL Copa América (2 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses). The last time they conceded twice in the competition against a CONMEBOL rival was in 2016 in a 2-1 loss against Colombia.

• Uruguay have scored in their last three games against a CONMEBOL rival in the Copa América (2 wins, 1 draw). They have not scored in three consecutive games against South American rivals since 2007-2011 when they went on a run of 7 games (3 wins, 4 draws).

• Paraguay were unable to work a shot on the Uruguayan goal in the first half. This is the first time Uruguay have denied their opponents a shooting opportunity in a half since the 2007 Copa America when they won 4-1 against Venezuela.

• Uruguay had 18 shots against Paraguya. This is their second highest number of  shots in a Copa America game against a South American side since at least 2011 (29 vs Japan in 2019, 22 vs Mexico in 2011 and 22 vs Bolivia in 2021).