Washington hosted a South American rehearsal on Sunday, and Paraguay left the US capital with the sharper finish and the clearer result. Miguel Almirón struck once in each half as La Albirroja defeated Bolivia 2-0 in a friendly arranged ahead of the next round of CONMEBOL qualifying commitments.
Almirón decides the evening
-
Paraguay took control in the 17th minute through a move that began with Diego Gómez lifting the ball into the area. Robert Morales, making his debut, headed it back towards the penalty spot, where Almirón arrived to finish calmly from close range.
-
The Atlanta United forward, formerly of Newcastle United, added the second three minutes after the interval. He received possession on the left, entered the box and drove a powerful left-footed effort beyond Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
-
With a two-goal cushion, Paraguay were content to allow Bolivia more of the ball. La Verde looked mainly to Miguel Terceros and the young Maurade for attacking inspiration, but their moves repeatedly broke down before reaching the final third.
-
After the hour mark, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro made as many as five substitutions, bringing in players including Matías Galarza and Gustavo Caballero, both members of his recent World Cup group.
-
Bolivia were handed a route back when Canales fouled Terceros in the area. The Santos player took the penalty himself, only for Gastón Olveira to get a hand to the shot; the ball then hit the left post before Paraguay cleared.
Work remains for both sides
The closing stages settled into a subdued rhythm, with Bolivia unable to turn their greater share of possession into a late response. Maurade’s willingness to run at opponents was the most encouraging element of the night for Óscar Villegas’s side, but it stood largely alone in an attack that could not find a way through.
Paraguay had the clinical contribution of Almirón and the clean sheet, yet their performance also suggested that Alfaro still has details to settle before competitive football resumes. The team return on 2 October against Colombia.
Bolivia travel to Córdoba next Wednesday to face Argentina, with the missed penalty and a lack of penetration in Washington providing immediate issues to address before that visit to La Albiceleste.
