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Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz disappointed by Brazil draw
The Manchester City striker laments losing late goal to Brazil and says costly errors meant Paraguay were unable to secure victory
10 Jul 2011 13:11:00
By Trevor Allen
Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz has expressed his disappointment at his side's inability to hold on for the win, after Brazil rescued a 2-2 draw in the closing minutes of their Copa America match.
After Brazil took a 1-0 lead, Santa Cruz levelled the score in the 54th minute, before team-mate Nelson Valdez put Paraguay ahead 12 minutes later. But Gerardo Martino's side were unable to see out the match as Fred clinched a point in the 89th minute.
"It was a tough game for both," the Manchester City striker told reporters after the match. "We played a great game, but we are disappointed by the outcome, with a tie in the closing minutes."
With his goal, Santa Cruz became the Paraguayan national team's all-time leading scorer with 26 goals in 85 appearances, but says costly mistakes by his side contributed to the final result.
"Given the aspirations we have, if we want to be a big team, we have to avoid errors like this in the last minute," he said.
Paraguay sit in second place in Group B with two points, and play leaders Venezuela (4 points) in their next match.
| Bet: | Returns: | Argentina £24.50 | Draw £32.50 | Brazil £26.00 |
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After Brazil took a 1-0 lead, Santa Cruz levelled the score in the 54th minute, before team-mate Nelson Valdez put Paraguay ahead 12 minutes later. But Gerardo Martino's side were unable to see out the match as Fred clinched a point in the 89th minute.
"It was a tough game for both," the Manchester City striker told reporters after the match. "We played a great game, but we are disappointed by the outcome, with a tie in the closing minutes."
With his goal, Santa Cruz became the Paraguayan national team's all-time leading scorer with 26 goals in 85 appearances, but says costly mistakes by his side contributed to the final result.
"Given the aspirations we have, if we want to be a big team, we have to avoid errors like this in the last minute," he said.
Paraguay sit in second place in Group B with two points, and play leaders Venezuela (4 points) in their next match.
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