Matchday 13, pt. 2
Well, we lost. All credit to the Paraguayans. They ran hard, troubled our best passers, blocked our lanes, and converted two scrappy goals. Moreover, they were expert time-wasters. When the “Topo” Cáceres became injured, the medics took a good while to cart him off, making several changes of direction. The ref had to toss one of the medics out of the game. Also, crucially, the Paraguayans were much taller than the Ecuadorians. Toward the end, our coach brought on skillful little Matías Oyola. It was a mistake. Whenever Oyola had to jump for a high ball, he was dwarfed and ended up committing a foul, allowing the Paraguayans to waste more time. (I am not complaining. Time-wasting is a fact of life.)
Meanwhile, the Brazilians demolished the (very good) Uruguayans in Montevideo. After several woeful years, the Brazilians again look to be world beaters. They are trouncing the other South Americans, and no one in Europe seems as good.
The Colombians squeaked past the Bolivians. Argentina defeated Chile. Draws in these games would have served Ecuador better. In the sole unimportant game, Venezuela squandered a two-goal lead, drawing against Peru.
Meanwhile, the Brazilians demolished the (very good) Uruguayans in Montevideo. After several woeful years, the Brazilians again look to be world beaters. They are trouncing the other South Americans, and no one in Europe seems as good.
The Colombians squeaked past the Bolivians. Argentina defeated Chile. Draws in these games would have served Ecuador better. In the sole unimportant game, Venezuela squandered a two-goal lead, drawing against Peru.