Associated Press

The goal came in the 81st minute when a corner caused a scramble for the bouncing ball in the box and Oscar Cardozo deflected to Benitez to score.

Benitez joined the squad only last week for the injured Roque Santa Cruz, and replaced Jonathan Santana 20 minutes before he scored.

Paraguay's seventh win in 10 matches improved its lead in the standings to 23 points, six more than second-placed Brazil.

However, Peru remained last in the 10-team standings with 7 points, its hopes of qualifying becoming more remote.

Lineups:

Paraguay: Justo Villar, Carlos Bonet, Julio Cesar Caceres, Paulo Da Silva, Claudio Morel, Edgar Barreto (Osvaldo Martinez, 45), Victor Caceres, Jonathan Santana (Edgar Benitez, 61), Christian Riveros, Nelson Haedo Valdez (Oscar Cardozo, 61), Salvador Cabanas.

Peru: Leao Butron, Amilton Prado, Walter Vilchez, Orlando Contreras, Juan Vargas, Reiner Torres, Paolo de la Haza (Henry Quinteros, 82), Juan Carlos Marino (Piero Alva, 70), Hernan Rangifo, Nolberto Solano, Johan Fano (Daniel Chavez, 80).