Steady Paraguay remain top

WC Qualifiers

Paraguay eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Venezuela to remain in a strong position at the top of the table.

After a good performance in the 1-1 draw against Argentina, Paraguay dominated throughout this game as midfielder Cristian Riveros put Gerardo Martino's side ahead in the 28th minute.

And just before the break Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz set-up Nelson Haedo Valdez to double the advantage.

Venezuela's only real effort of note was a long-range shot by Juan Arango that was easily denied by Justo Villar.

With this victory Paraguay now have 17 points at the top of the South American World Cup Qualifiers' standings, five ahead of South American giants Argentina and Brazil while Venezuela are eighth with just seven points.

Paraguay will visit Colombia in the fifth round while Venezuela will host Brazil.