After missing the past few matches with the Seattle Sounders Nelson Haedo Valdez returned to the field during Paraguay's first match in the Copa America. The forward entered in the 74th minute of the 0-0 game. Neither Costa Rica nor Paraguay would score after the Sounder took the field.
Valdez' play is more remarkable for the escalation of tension than any attacking moves. Within five minutes he committed a foul, and then on the next Paraguay foul committed against Costa Rica Nelson was judged to be the cause of a fracas. He took a yellow card for that. If he earns a second yellow card prior to the semis he will miss the next match.
Vancouver Whitecaps and Costa Rican centerback Kendall Waston extracted revenge at the close of the match slicing through Valdez inside the center circle as Paraguay attempted one final attack on the goal. Waston was ejected for the harsh tackle and will miss the match against the United States.
The match ended after the midfield free kick.
Nelson Valdez' final stat line is a rather pedestrian 1 foul committed, 1 foul suffered, 1 yellow card, 1 red card drawn in 17 minutes played. He next has the opportunity to perform against Colombia on June 7th in the Rose Bowl.