Late goal seals victory for 2 de Mayo amid controversy; player defends referee's call

Sportivo 2 de Mayo clinched a thrilling and hard-fought 1-0 victory against Olimpia in Pedro Juan Caballero, a result that secured them the win at home but also ignited a significant debate over the decisive play.

The match's turning point came late in the game when substitute Fernando Matías Cáceres, who had entered the match from the bench, scored the winning goal for the "Gallo Norteño." The goal, however, was preceded by a play in midfield that drew strong protests from Olimpia's bench and players, who alleged a foul.

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I had a small slip, but always thinking about the goal, it never left my mind. I think César took it. Then a few things happened, but I was always attentive to the play, and well, it fell to me; I was able to finish.

Cáceres, the hero of the day, addressed the controversy surrounding the play. He described his initial stumble before advancing towards the opponent's area, emphasizing his focus on the goal. "I had a small slip, but always thinking about the goal, it never left my mind. I think César took it. Then a few things happened, but I was always attentive to the play, and well, it fell to me; I was able to finish," he explained.

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Whether it was Pedro Zarza's play, at the beginning of the tournament, we talked about it, it was clearly said that in minor fouls they were going to let play run a bit more. Well, that play, I think it was in midfield. Unfortunately for them, it ended in a goal, fortunately for us too, it ended in a goal. I think many plays were also allowed to continue for them. So, that's today's football, it's the football of now, and we have to adapt to it.

The core of Olimpia's protest centered on a potential contact or infraction in the midfield that the referee chose to let continue. Cáceres supported the decision to maintain the flow of the game, referencing current refereeing directives. "Whether it was Pedro Zarza's play, at the beginning of the tournament, we talked about it, it was clearly said that in minor fouls they were going to let play run a bit more. Well, that play, I think it was in midfield. Unfortunately for them, it ended in a goal, fortunately for us too, it ended in a goal. I think many plays were also allowed to continue for them. So, that's today's football, it's the football of now, and we have to adapt to it," he stated.

Cáceres also highlighted the team's collective effort and the importance of contributions from the bench. "Every time I come in, I want to contribute my part, show that we are not just waiting for our opportunity. We always have to be confident that we can contribute our bit with the teammates who are making a huge sacrifice. I think we are doing things well with the coaches, with the club staff, and especially with the teammates. We are on the right track and hopefully, we will continue on this path," he added.

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Every time I come in, I want to contribute my part, show that we are not just waiting for our opportunity. We always have to be confident that we can contribute our bit with the teammates who are making a huge sacrifice. I think we are doing things well with the coaches, with the club staff, and especially with the teammates. We are on the right track and hopefully, we will continue on this path.