ASUNCION. Paraguay. July 6 (AP): For Paraguayans, the party really started Monday night.

Sure, there's been plenty of gaity all week long, with the country hosting the Copa America, the world's oldest national team soccer tournament, for the first time. But the festivities escalated with the come-from-behind success of the Paraguayan national team.

In a hard-fought and competitive match, where Paraguay obviously fed of the hometown crowd, seventeen-year-old striker Roque Santa Cruz scored in the closing minutes to lift Paraguay over Peru 1-0.

The win, coming after a disappointing 0-0 tie with Bolivia t and a 4-0 victory over Japan. "• helped Paraguay secure first place in Group A and gave an emotional boost to the home team heading into the tournament quarterfinals.

Santa Cruz's goal sent hordes of people into the streets; fireworks crackled, car horns blared, and fans chanted songs.

Paraguayan coach Ever

Almeida said: "Fortunately, we got the goal and first place, which is what Lhe people wanted."

Indeed, Almeida was glad to come out on the winning end of things, particularly since Peru relied heavily on the play of substitutes. But he saw some things he didn't like.

"The team didn't play a good game.” he said. "We didn't maintain the play. We dominate a game, have opportunities we don't take advantage of. and the team suddenly becomes nervous."

Peruvian coach Juan Carlos Oblitas also had gripes. But of a different kind.

Oblitas complained that the pre-tournament scheduled venue change from Asuncion to Juan Caballero, 540 kms northeast of the Paraguayan capital, had affected his team. To make matters worse, he said, the field conditions were a "dis-

":I don't want to make excuses.” Oblitas said. "The conditions were the same for both teams. But one team is more accustomed to them, that's all." he added, referring to Paraguay.

In the end. he conceded: 'The difference was that they made the goal and we didn't."

Peru, who had already qualified for the quarterfinals before Monday’s match, will remain in Juan Pedro Caballero to face their next opponent, to be determined over the final two days of opening round play.