Brazil went to Asunción with Kaká to take on the leaders of South American qualifying, Paraguay. Paraguay got off to a one-goal lead halfway through the first half thanks to their star player, Santa Cruz. The lead stuck through the half. In the second half, Paraguay’s Dario Verón picked up his second yellow card and an ejection just three minutes in, but Paraguay were not going to be denied their home victory. A strike one minute later proved decisive and Paraguay won 2-0 to extend their group lead.Paraguay’s coach Gerardo Martino spoke after the win. "I think this win was based on effort and solidarity. We were consistent in our marking, we were always on top, and we didn't let them settle."
Brazil’s coach Dunga had a similar take. "There are days when things don't work. Paraguay made the most of their qualities...we knew it would be a physical match."
Ecuador visited Argentina with the chance to take three road points and really re-enter the South American race in earnest. They nearly pulled it off. In a game that featured four yellow cards (three for the visitors), it was Ecuador who was nonetheless able to get the upper hand after going through a scoreless first half. A goal with just over twenty minutes remaining gave the Ecuadorians the lead, and Argentina could not manufacture much offense. A miraculous tie was pulled out by the home side in the third minute of stoppage time to give the Argentines a not-so-well deserved draw.
Chile went to the heights of La Paz to take on tenth-place Bolivia. Chile did not leave any of the three points available to them elude their pockets. Chilean defender Medel scored once in each half, including his first on a beautiful bicycle kick, and the Chileans were the winners by a score of 2-0. Chile move into a tie for fifth-place with Venezuela, who they face on the road on June 19 in Puerto La Cruz.
Goal scorers:
Paraguay: Santa Cruz 26; Cabañas 49
Ecuador: Urrutia 68
Argentina: Palacios 90+3
Chile: Medel 29, 76
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