[WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING] Paraguay beat Venezuela, 2-0, on first-half goals by Cristian Riveros and Nelson Haedo Valdez to assure itself of staying on top in the South American World Cup 2010 qualifying zone when the eighth round of games ends on Wednesday.

Paraguay, which has a five-point lead on Brazil and Argentina, is perfect in four games in Asuncion.

Venezuela, the only South American team never to have played at a World Cup, suffered its third successive defeat.

Columbus Crew striker Alejandro Moreno played the entire match for Venezuela.