World Cup 2010 Player Ratings: Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay

SLOVAKIA

Mucha – 7.0 - Kept his side in the game with a very good save from Santa Cruz just before the interval - the goalkeeper had already come under significant pressure to that point. Denied both Santa Cruz and Riveros, and had no chance with either goal.

Pekarik – 6.0 - When the right-back did push on, he delivered well into the box, but his chances to supply the strikers were infrequent. Didn’t seem to be encouraged to attack particularly and had issues dealing with the Paraguayan offence.

Skrtel –6.5 - An uncompromising defender, Skrtel often showed a distinct lack of grace, but that didn't necessarily take anything away from his performance. At times he was too quick just to kick the ball clear without picking out a team-mate but did improve this aspect of his game as time wore on.

Salata – 6.5 - Made several strong contributions in the air in the early stages of the game. When he tried to play the ball out, he was swarmed by Paraguay attackers, making his life very difficult indeed.

Durica – 6.5 - Was given a largely defensive brief on the evidence of his performance, as he preferred largely to hold his position and not take any great risks. Did make one strong second half run. Booked for a challenge from behind.

Sestak – 6.0 - Would have liked to offer more of a contribution in the first half, though one fine early cross into the box came very close to picking out Vittek. Really needed to do more if his side were to pick up the points. Booked for a silly tackle in the second minute of the second half.

Strba – 6.5 - Rigidly held his position as a holding midfielder until the final half hour of the game, when he seemed to be given more freedom to push forward. Put in a handful of good challenges, but seemed outnumbered in the centre of the pitch.

Hamsik – 5.5 - Given a more adventurous role in the center of the Slovakian squad in comparison to his first outing against New Zealand. Was sharply closed down by the Paraguayans, who were clearly aware of his threat. Often forced to go backwards, his influence was largely negated, and the Slovaks' star man barely got a kick after the break.

Weiss – 6.5 - Probably the star man against the All Whites, the coach’s son showed moments of fine skill down the right flank but too frequently failed to marry his technical expertise with productive moments.

Kozak – 6.5 - Played into trouble just before the break when he was handed a quick free kick he wasn’t expected. Otherwise was in pretty good form, delivering the best ball into the box the Slovaks managed in the first half.

Vittek – 6.5 - The targetman in attack caused the Paraguayans problems simply because of his unusual frame. Linked well with those around him and mustered Slovakia’s only shot on target with a good drive on the turn.

Substitutes

Holosko – 6.0 – Replaced Sestak with 20 minutes remaining but didn’t offer anything different.

Stoch – n/a - Brought on as an attacking change with seven minutes left.

PARAGUAY

Villar – 7.0 - An entirely comfortable afternoon for the goalkeeper, who only had one shot on target to save. That came in the 92nd minute and was a good tip over from a long range shot. Unflustered.

Bonet – 6.5 - Sometimes the right-back was a little slow in anticipating moves coming down his flank, which resulted in promising chances being passed up. Less keen to push on after the break as the game grew increasingly scrappy.

Da Silva – 7.0 - Though he struggled to cope with the aerial ability of Vittek, the center-back showed himself to be rugged and steady on the deck. A steady performance from the defender, who protected his goal ably.

Alcaraz – 7.0 - Made one particularly telling intervention in the first half, when he stretched brilliantly to prevent a dangerous through ball from reaching its target. Wasn’t overly pushed, but he conducted himself in a fine manner, showing good strength and experience when required.

C. Morel – 7.5 - Was only recently told that his contract with Boca Juniors wouldn’t be getting renewed but seemed fully focused on the task at hand. Broke forward down the left flank frequently and often to good effect, especially before the interval. Managed the threat of Weiss relatively well.

Vera – 8.0 - Ever active in the center of the midfield, the Atlas player was the pick of the Paraguayans. Pressed his opponents into telling areas and contributed effectively in an attacking manner, scoring a goal with a wonderfully taken finish. Might have had a second after the break but pushed his header wide.

V. Caceres – 7.0 - The deepest lying of the Paraguayan midfielders, it was his responsibility to act as the link between the defence and the rest of the side. Kept things going in an organised fashion and was sound defensively.

Riveros – 7.5 - Had a fierce first half drive go straight at Mucha, though his most telling contribution came far later in the game, when he smacked home the second. On the defensive side of the game, he closed down his opponents smartly, not allowing them any space to move in the centre of the park.

Santa Cruz – 6.5 - Didn’t enjoy the best of matches, despite starting well. Had a shot turned away by Mucha after just a couple of minutes play, but certainly should have given his side a healthier half-time lead when played through on goal. Nevertheless, a useful outlet. Tired towards the end, but hasn't trained much of late.

Barrios – 7.5 - Very impressive performance from the Argentina-born Paraguayan forward, especially before the break. His link up play was clever throughout, with Vera combining especially well with the Borussia Dortmund ace. Set up the opening goal of the game with a well weighted pass.

H. Valdez – 7.0 - Worked terrifically hard in the three-pronged Paraguayan front line but was occasionally undone by a slight lack of quality. His industry more than made up for his occasional lack of ability, with tenacious play winning a great deal of possession far up the field.

Substitutes

Torres – 6.5 – Brought on to replace Valdez midway through the second half. Had one good shot just over.

Cardozo – n/a – Played only eight minutes but had a hand in the scrambled second goal.

E. Barreto – n/a – Given two minutes at the end.