1953 South American Championship play-off

The 1953 South American Championship play-off was a match held to determine the winner of the 1953 South American Championship, as Paraguay and Brazil were tied for the first place after the regular competition. The match took place on April 1, 1953, at Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru.

Paraguay won the match 3–2, winning its first continental title.

Overview
Some journalists stated that Paraguay's best moments in football were during those years. In fact, the Paraguayan side achieved some notable results such as the 5–1 win over Argentina (then South American champion) in July 1945.

Other good performances by the Paraguayan team had been the 3rd place in 1946 –with goalkeeper Sinforiano García (considered one of the greatest in Paraguayan football) being the most notable player–, the 2nd place in 1947 and the win over Brazil on group stage in 1949 (although the host country would thrash Paraguay 7–0 in the play-off).

After former player Manuel Fleitas Solich was appointed coach, Paraguay started a hard training routine with the purpose of being in the best shape for the 1953 South American tournament. Results were highly satisfactory so Paraguay were crowned champion unbeaten (except for a walkover), beating Brazil in the play-off and taking revenge after losing to them in the 1949 play-off.

Background
Brazil and Paraguay finished tied on points so a playoff match had to be played to decide the champion.
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