Paraguay take Elite Milk Cup win

Paraguay claimed their third Elite Milk Cup title in five years as they beat the USA 2-0 in Friday's decider.

Nery Bareira and Jorge Gonzalez missed early Paraguay chances while Johan Smith then went close for the USA.

Bareira made amends when he hit the net in first half injury-time and Edgar Santander extended Paraguay's lead with a neat finish on 60 minutes.

Gustavo Noguera almost added to the lead while Sal Zirro saw a late effort brilliantly saved by Blas Hermonosilla.

Captain Bareira's first chance came in the second minute but he scooped his shot well over the top from close range.

Gonzalez had an even easier chance four minutes later but he got completely underneath his header from eight yards out after Noguera's superb cross.

The Americans first chance came in the 33rd minute when burly forward Johann Smith broke clear of the Paraguay defence but his angled shot was tipped inches wide by the goalkeeper.

Paraguay pressed in first half injury-time and goalkeeper Chris Seitz denied Gonzalez.

However, the ball was quickly returned to the USA penalty area and when the defence failed to clear, Bareira was able to slam the ball home from eight yards.

Pablo Velazques then went close to extending Paraguay's lead early in the second half but the South Americans wrapped up victory when Santander broke clear of the US defence on the hour before producing a neat finish.

The Americans had their moments thereafter with Richard Salinas making a great block tackle to prevent Smith getting in a shot.

Late on Noguera's deflected shot came back off the US woodwork with Seitz beaten while Zirro saw a pointblank effort brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Hermonosilla.