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Mid-Day Ticker: Paraguayan striker shot; Arena makes Hall of Fame and more

SalvadorCabanasReuters

By AVI CREDITOR

One of Paraguay's most prolific scorers is in a fight for his life.

Salvador Cabanas, a starting striker for the Paraguyan national team and Club America in Mexico, was shot in the head in the bathroom of a Mexico City bar on Monday. He is listed in critical condition.

Cabanas, 29, was reportedly at the bar with his wife early Monday morning at the time of the shooting. Two suspects have been apprehended, but details surrounding the shooting are still unclear.

Cabanas, who scored two goals in Club America's win over San Luis on Jan. 17, was conscious upon arrival to the hospital and underwent surgery to remove the bullet from his head.

He was expected to be an integral part of Paraguay's World Cup squad, which is grouped with Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia. 

In other Monday news:

ARENA ELECTED TO HALL OF FAME

Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, joining Preki and Thomas Dooley in the Class of 2010.

Arena, who was elected off the Builder's Ballot (Hall of Famers and select soccer administrators comprise the voters), won five NCAA titles at Virginia, led DC United to the first two MLS Cups and guided the U.S. national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, among other accomplishments.

ALGERIA STUNS IVORY COAST AT ACN

After a shoddy showing in the group stage, U.S. World Cup opponent Algeria is hitting its stride in the African Cup of Nations.

The underdogs stunned the Ivory Coast with goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes to advance to the semifinals with a 3-2 victory Sunday.

Trailing 2-1 after Kader Keita's 89th-minute strike, Algeria stormed back. Madjid Bougherra's header knotted the score right before extra time, and 90th-minute-substitute Hameur Bouazza netted the game-winner to eliminate the Elephants.

In Sunday's other quarterfinal, Ghana knocked out tournament-host Angola, 1-0.

Egypt and Cameroon are level at 1-1 at halftime of one of Monday's other quarterfinal games. Zambia and Nigeria will kick off later in the day.

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What do you make of the Cabanas shooting? Think Arena belongs in the Hall of Fame? Starting to get a second impression of Algeria?

Share your thoughts below.

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