CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Defender Antolin Alcaraz, who lifted Paraguay to 1-0 lead over defending champions Italy in the first half of the World Cup Group F opener here Monday, was voted the Man of the Match.

In the heavy rain, centre-back Antolin Alcaraz came up from the back in the 39th minute and outjumped his marker De Rossi to head home a freekick.

Alcaraz, 28, plays for Belgium Club Brugge.