Salvador Cabanas scored a penalty in first-half injury time, lifting Paraguay to a 1-0 victory over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

The victory improved Paraguay to 27 points, putting it among the favourites from South America to make next year’s 32-team tournament in South Africa.

Bolivia has only 12 points.

Paraguay dominated the first half, with Bolivia coming up with only one serious scoring chance. Paraguay also had most of the play in the second half.

Cabanas scored from the spot after Marvin Bejarano brought down Carlos Bonet in the box. Until then, Hugo Suarez in the Bolivia goal showed top form to keep the hosts at bay with a string of good saves.

Paraguay threatened in the 15th minute when Cabanas’ shot was diverted for a corner.

Suarez was called into action in the 21st minute to save a Paulo Da Silva header and produced a double stop a few minutes later to foil Da Silva and Dario Veron.

Bolivia came closest on a free kick from Alejandro Gomez saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Paraguay is home against Argentina on Wednesday and Bolivia is home against Ecuador

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