Stalemate again with Paraguay

AUSTRALIA and PARAGUAY played out their second consecutive nil-all draw, as the three match soccer series between the two countries moved to Brisbane-s GABBA ground today.

The LG SOCCEROOS fielded a completely different side from that of last Friday night-s opener, but again were unable to find the back of the net, despite having the better of the match.

The Australians, led by captain AURELIO VIDMAR, kept Paraguayan goalkeeper JOSE LUIS CHILAVERT on his toes again, with midfielder GABRIEL MENDEZ closest to breaking the deadlock with good efforts in both halves from free kicks.

At the other end, Australian goalkeeper CLINT BOLTON was forced into a one-on-one save in the 75th minute, while the introduction of BRETT EMERTON in the 67th minute added extra spark to the attack but not the elusive goal.

“”Once again I thought the boys held their own out there today, and there can be no question about their commitment and work rate,” said LG Socceroo Coach FRANK FARINA after the match.

“Clayton Zane was a constant thorn in their side, and Stephen Laybutt and Steve Horvat were particularly strong at the back, but again, I was pleased with the overall commitment shown out on the park, no one had a bad game,”

“I will definitely be looking to use the majority of the squad for Thursday night-s final game in Melbourne, before announcing the side that travels to Tahiti on Friday, for the Oceania Nations Cup.” Farina concluded.

SUMMARY: FULL TIME RESULT: AUSTRALIA - 0 PARAGUAY - 0

AUSTRALIA Clint Bolton (gk); Stephen Laybutt, Jason van Blerk, Simon Colosimo (Kevin Muscat 83-), Andrew Marth, Steve Horvat, Aurelio Vidmar, Gabriel Mendez, Carl Veart, Clayton Zane, Pablo Cardozo (Brett Emerton 67-)

PARAGUAY Jose L Chilavert (gk); Nestor Isasi (Angel Antar 61-), Delio Toledo (Luis Romero 53-), Dario Caballero, Nelson Zelaya, Estanislao Struway, Nery Ortiz, Miguel Caceres (Julio Colman 46-), Victor Ortiz (Walter Avalos 46-), Roland Gaona, Tomas Gonzalez (Isidro Candia 79-)

Yellow Cards G Mendez (Aus) 18-, S Laybutt (Aus) 25-, R Gaona (Par) 29-, L Romero (Par) 69-, W Avalos (Par 71-), J Colman (Par) 78-

REFEREE: Mark Shield