New-look Peru put on a fine performance as they defeated Paraguay 2-0 in their World Cup qualifying opener.
Fresh from a memorable Copa America where they finished in third-place, Peru continued with their big improvement with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Paraguay at the Estadio Nacional in Lima.
Peru, who featured their 'fantastic four', comprising of Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfan, Juan Vargas and Paolo Guerrero, put on a fine display, winning the match with two second half goals from Guerrero, who also finished as the top goal-scorer of the Copa America.
Sergio Markarian's side dominated the first period, and although they were clearly superior to the Paraguayans, they had to wait until the first minute of the second half to get in-front, when Guerrero met a ball from Farfan, beat Paraguay defender Elvis Marecos, before rounding goalkeeper Diego Barreto and slotting home calmly.
In the 72nd minute Guerrero doubled Peru's advantage, when he was caught out perfectly in the box by Peru captain Pizarro, and rifled the ball home.
Despite playing some decent soccer in the midfield, Paraguay never looked dangerous when moving forward and this had much to do with the fact that Roque Santa Cruz was having an off game.
Francisco Arce's side continued to be outplayed by the Peruvians, and could easily have lost the match by a greater difference.
Peru, who finished rock-bottom of the 2010 South American World Cup qualifiers, have undergone a massive transformation under Markarian, and are expected to continue to produce good results as they intend to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1982.
On Tuesday, Peru travel to Santiago to do battle with Chile, while Paraguay will be looking to avenge their defeat to Uruguay in the Copa America final, when both teams meet in Asuncion.
Peru, who featured their 'fantastic four', comprising of Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfan, Juan Vargas and Paolo Guerrero, put on a fine display, winning the match with two second half goals from Guerrero, who also finished as the top goal-scorer of the Copa America.
Sergio Markarian's side dominated the first period, and although they were clearly superior to the Paraguayans, they had to wait until the first minute of the second half to get in-front, when Guerrero met a ball from Farfan, beat Paraguay defender Elvis Marecos, before rounding goalkeeper Diego Barreto and slotting home calmly.
In the 72nd minute Guerrero doubled Peru's advantage, when he was caught out perfectly in the box by Peru captain Pizarro, and rifled the ball home.
Despite playing some decent soccer in the midfield, Paraguay never looked dangerous when moving forward and this had much to do with the fact that Roque Santa Cruz was having an off game.
Francisco Arce's side continued to be outplayed by the Peruvians, and could easily have lost the match by a greater difference.
Peru, who finished rock-bottom of the 2010 South American World Cup qualifiers, have undergone a massive transformation under Markarian, and are expected to continue to produce good results as they intend to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1982.
On Tuesday, Peru travel to Santiago to do battle with Chile, while Paraguay will be looking to avenge their defeat to Uruguay in the Copa America final, when both teams meet in Asuncion.
