Paraguay’s final friendly is expected to draw plenty of attention against Nicaragua, not for the match itself, but because their World Cup debut is against the United States on June 12.
This match is mostly a farewell for Paraguay, as they are largely set after a very strong qualifying campaign. The match in Asuncion could have an emotional atmosphere, with the country returning to the big stage for the first time since 2010.
It will not be a very meaningful match for Nicaragua, unlike their opponents, because they could not qualify in the CONCACAF section after finishing last in their group in the third round with four points in six matches.
Gustavo Gómez heads wide for Paraguay
40' Gustavo Gómez rises highest on a corner kick, but his header goes wide of the target.
Sanabria creates a chance for Paraguay
39' Antonio Sanabria makes a good play and sets up Mauricio Magalhães for a shot, but the goalkeeper makes the save and pushes it out for a corner.
Enciso injury affects the atmosphere
30' The atmosphere has quieted down considerably following the injury to Paraguay's top player just days before the team's debut.
Substitution for Paraguay
24' Julio Enciso is unable to continue and leaves the field in tears. Mauricio Magalhães comes on for Paraguay.
Enciso goes down for Paraguay
23' Julio Enciso falls to the ground and slams the turf in frustration after appearing to suffer a possible injury.
GOAAAAAAAL: Romero Gamarra for Paraguay
16' Alejandro Romero Gamarra takes the penalty with his left foot and chips it into the net to give Paraguay the lead.
Sanabria wins a penalty for Paraguay
14' Juan José Cáceres sends in a cross, but Antonio Sanabria is unable to head it home. Paraguay are then awarded a penalty.
Dog interrupts the match
9' The match is temporarily stopped after a dog runs onto the field.
Almirón and Romero Gamarra active for Paraguay
6' Miguel Almirón and Alejandro Romero Gamarra have looked very active for Paraguay early in the match.
Match underway
The match between Paraguay and Nicaragua is now underway.
The list
Paraguay's final 26-man World Cup roster has been officially confirmed.
Confirmed lineup for Nicaragua
Confirmed lineup for Paraguay
Match delayed
The start of the match was pushed back by half an hour and is now scheduled to kick off at 18:45 ET.
The antecedent
Paraguay defeated Nicaragua 2-0 on June 18, 2023, in the only previous meeting between the two nations.
The group
Paraguay were placed in Group D with the United States (June 12), Turkey (June 19), and Australia (June 25), while Nicaragua did not qualify for the World Cup.
The stadium
The venue for this match is Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, Paraguay. It has a capacity of 34,451.
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