Óscar Cardozo

Óscar René Cardozoimage:Óscar Cardozo |Óscar Cardozo is a Paraguayan football player who presently plays for Sport Lisboa e Benfica as a striker in the Portuguese first division.

In 2007, Cardozo made his senior international debut in a friendly match against Mexico. He scored the only goal of the game and was also the part of the team which reached the quarter finals in the Copa America in 2007. He scored a goal against the United States team. Moreover, he also scored two goals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification. He even scored the winning penalty played against Japan in 5-3 penalty shootout victory at the FIFA World Cup 2010. Due to his contribution, the Paraguay team was qualified for the World Cup quarter finals for the first time in their history.

In the quarter finals, he missed a penalty kick in the 59th minute in a 0-0 game held against Spain, with the Paraguayans team losing 1-0 on 85th minute goal from David Villa.

=== Career Highlights ===

With the 3 de Febrero, Oscar and his team won at the Paraguayan Segunda División league, in 2004. Whilst with Benfica, the team won the Portuguese League in 2009–10 and the Portuguese League Cup in 2008–09 and in 2009–10.

Individually, Oscar won the title of Paraguayan Footballer of the Year in 2006 and 2009. In 2009, he was awarded with Portuguese League Player of the Month. In 2009-10, he was recognized as being the Portuguese Liga Top Scorers and also as the UEFA Europa League top scorer.