Match report; Paraguay 2 - Atlantic Isles 0

Despite the daunting task of facing Paraguay, one of the seeded teams, in their first game of the 2010 Mundialito, AIFC went into the game with enthusiasm, confidence, and determination.

Playing a 4-2-3-1, The team consisted of Luisan in goal, the back four of Dave D, Tim, Alfredo, and Txus, Pedro and Darragh as pivots, Pete Lou and Lucas as the creative force, with Chema the battering ram up front.

Having managed to avoid the normal concession of an early goal, the boys in blue were undone by an excellent goal by the Paraguayan playmaker midway through the first half. By this time, Darragh had already succumbed to be replaced by Antonio. Aside from this goal, AIFC had matched the south americans for fight and discipline.

Half-time, and the game at 0-1, the Islands had to lift themselves and look for a goal, while at the same time the Paraguayans were also intend on bettering their goal tally. Urzti replaced Luisan in goal, Martin replaced Dave W at right back, Mike swapped for Antonia, and Dave D came into the centre and Alfredo switched wide as Txus took a break.

A period of sustained pressure was survived before a rasping shot from outside the box doubled the lead. More Paraguayan pressure came but was repulsed. The highlight being a fantastic save by Urtzi from Lou - who seemed intent on winning this year's pichichi.

The Europeans pressed forward and were denied in dubious circumstance when Mike was clouted on the head by a defender in the box, but no foul was given.

So, as the final whistle blew, the team looked back on a solid, if not spectacular performance against one of the better teams and the hope of better luck next time.