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Press article:

Solano sparks Peru fightback against Paraguay - 08/09/2003

Solano sparks Peru fightback against Paraguay
 
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   Federación Peruana de Fútbol

Midfielder Nolberto Solano scored the equaliser and set up a brilliant second goal as Peru came from behind to beat Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday. The Newcastle United player headed Peru back onto level terms in the 34th minute, wiping out Carlos Gamarra's strike for the visitors, and produced a 60-metre pass out of defence for Andres Mendoza to score the second eight minutes later.

Peru soaked up a long spell of second half pressure before hitting their opponents with further goals from Sporting Cristal full-back Jorge Soto and Alianza Lima striker Jefferson Farfan in the last ten minutes. Paraguay, who reached the last sixteen at the last two World Cups, went ahead when central defender Gamarra headed in an outswinging corner taken by Francisco Arce in the 24th minute as two of the team's old guard combined. The corner had been needlessly given away as the Peruvian defence panicked and failed to deal with an innocuous cross.

Peru, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1982, overcame their initial desperation and equalised when Solano got in front of his marker and nodded in from close range after Carlos Zegarra crossed from the left. Solano, who had been close to giving Peru the lead with a 15th minute header, then had a free kick brilliantly turned around the post by Paraguay goalkeeper Ricardo Tavarelli before setting up the second goal with a superb long ball out of defence. His pass found Mendoza and the burly Club Bruges striker held off a challenge from Carlos Bonet and slipped the ball past Tavarelli with his left foot.

Mendoza shot wide following a similar attack immediately after halftime but Peru then dropped the pace, handing the initiative to the visitors. Arce, whose serving crosses were Paraguay's most dangerous weapon, forced desperate Erick Delgado to tip a cross-shot over the bar and the Peru goalkeeper was also forced into action when he blocked a close-range shot by Jose Cardozo. Peru appeared to be living dangerously until Soto steamed through into penalty area and latched onto an incisive pass from Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro to score a delightful third goal.

The team coached by Brazilian Paulo Autuori completed a memorable performance when Juan Jayo chipped the ball over the defence and Farfan steered his shot beyond Tavarelli in injury time.

Reuters News Agency


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