Paraguay are heading to South Africa to embark on their eighth attempt at World Cup glory, and are yet to claim the crown. This will be their fourth consecutive appearance at the world cup finals, not having made it past the group stage in 2006.
Paraguay are heading to South Africa to embark on their eighth attempt at World Cup glory, and are yet to claim the crown.
With a more attacking side heading into the upcoming tournament compared to that of four years ago, the South Americans are not shy about their expectations for the 2010 World Cup. With several players still sore from the anguish suffered in the 2006 defeat – their passion and determination will be at the fore when they take to the pitch this time around.
Paraguay travel to South Africa off the back of their best ever qualification campaign as they broke the 30-point barrier for the first time. They finished third in their group behind the pre tournament favourites Brazil, and Chile, who they tied with in the number of wins through the process at ten. Paraguay sent messages to their opponents in South Africa when they lost just twice away from home – setting them up as a side to beat.
The South American force were drawn in Group F where they will face the defending champions Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand. While many believe Italy will top the group easily, Paraguay should not be written off, with the only other threat for the top two positions being Slovakia. Should Paraguay make it through to the next round, with all results going according to the odds, they will most likely face Holland in the next round which would certainly prove a challenge.
Paraguay’s Group F Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 11 | 14.06.10 | Italy V Paraguay | Green Point Stadium, Cape Town | 20.30 | 04.30 (15.06.10) |
| 27 | 20.06.10 | Slovakia V Paraguay | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | 13.30 | 21.30 |
| 42 | 24.06.10 | Paraguay V New Zealand | Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane | 16.00 | 00.00 (25.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
DENIS CANIZA (CAPTAIN)
Born: 29.08.1974 in Bella Vista, Paraguay
Height: 1.75 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Club Leon, Liga de Ascenso
International Debut: 1998
Denis Caniza has been a central part of the Paraguayan international side for 12 years, and despite retiring after the 2006 World Cup, the newly appointed coach Gerardo Martino drew him back to international football where his teammates voted him into the role of captain. He will be heading to South Africa as the only player for Paraguay to have been at the previous three tournaments, and seeing as this will be his last, will hope to lead his teammates all the way.
ROQUE SANTA CRUZ
Born: 16.08.1981 in Asuncion, Paraguay
Height: 1.88 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester City, English Premier League
International Debut: 1999
Roque Santa Cruz was just 17 when he debuted for the senior Paraguay side, and was a crucial member in the qualification process for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He played in both tournaments, and will be heading into his third when he travels to South Africa, scoring three times along the way.
OSCAR CARDOZO
Born: 20.05.1983 in Juan Eulogio Estigarriba, Paraguay
Height: 1.94 metres
Position: Forward
Club: S.L. Benfica, Portuguese Liga
International Debut: Vs Mexico (05.06.2007)
Oscar Cardozo will be travelling into the 2010 World Cup as one of the least experienced members of the Paraguayan side, having not been to a World Cup before. Cardozo claimed two goals in the qualification campaign to the tournament, and will hope to make his mark on the international stage this summer.
PARAGUAYAN SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | Gerardo MARTINO |
| Goalkeepers | Diego BARRETO |
| Aldo BOBADILLA | |
| Justo VILLAR | |
| Defenders | Antolin ALCARAZ |
| Julio Cesar CACERES | |
| Denis CANIZA | |
| Paulo DA SILVA | |
| Claudio MOREL | |
| Aureliano TORRES | |
| Dario VERON | |
| Midfielders | Edgar BARRETO |
| Carlos BONET | |
| Victor CACERES | |
| Nestor ORTIGOZA | |
| Cristian RIVEROS | |
| Jonathan SNTANA | |
| Enrique VERA | |
| Forwards | Lucas BARRIOS |
| Edgar BENITEZ | |
| Oscar CARDOZO | |
| Rodolfo GAMARRA | |
| Roque SANTA CRUZ | |
| Nelson VALDEZ |
