Paraguay striker wins award

31 December 2007 | 06:40 - PA Sport

Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas has been named South American Player of the Year in a poll conducted by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais.

 

In the 22nd edition of the award, voted for by 500 journalists from 20 countries across the continent, the America star beat countryman Claudio Morel Rodriguez of Boca Juniors by six votes.

Cabanas netted 14 goals in just seven Copa Libertadores games this year as America reached the last eight before scoring four times in the club's run to the final of the Copa Sudamericana.

Paraguay boss Gerardo Martino was named Coach of the Year.

Kaka was voted Overseas Player of the Year, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo second and third respectively.