Paraguay at the World Cup

Paraguay

 

Vital Statistics:

 

World Cup appearances – 7

Best World Cup – Round 2; 1986, 1998 & 2002

FIFA World Ranking – 29

Manager: Gerado Martino

Captain: Denis Caniza

 

 

Profile:

 

Paraguay will be aiming to surpass their previous bests in a World Cup by going further than just Round 2 of the tournament. The South Americans surpassed all expectations during qualifying for South Africa, finishing higher than Argentina and just a point behind Brazil. They will also be confident of their chances in the crunch games as they do boast victories over both Brazil & Argentina during qualifying, and were top of the qualification group for a substantial period. They are a team which clearly thrives on confidence and momentum and an early victory in South African could set them on their way as they bid to reach new heights in the summer.

 

 

 

 

Key Player:

 

 

Roque Santa Cruz -

 

What with all the injuries he has sustained during the course of this season, Man City’s Santa Cruz might not even partake in South Africa. Were he not to feature then Paraguay will miss him dear as he’s been their biggest threat in front of goal, scoring 22 goals in 66 caps. Everyone in England will know just how deadly the Man City & former Blackburn Rovers hitman is, with his 6ft + height making him a handful in the air while his predatory instinct in and around the penalty makes him a nuisance to mark and to keep tabs on. If he’s fit to play in South African then he should be Paraguay’s top goalscorer.

 

Salvador Cabanas –

 

Cabanas will be the most controversial inclusions in the Paraguay were he to be fit for selection. Early this year, Cabanas, whom finished qualifying as Paraguay’s top goalscorer with six goals, was shot in the head in Mexico City and was given just a 20% chance of survival. However, doctors performed miracles in saving Cabanas and now they say he could make the finals. We’re sure the America striker would get a rousing reception from the travelling Paraguayan supporters but it could be a step too far too soon for Salvador Cabanas.

 

 

 

 

 

Strengths – Paraguay are a very solid unit. They have players strong in physical stature and they aren’t afraid to hustle. Their organisation whenever they don’t have the ball was outstanding during their qualifying games as they get men behind the ball and close the opposing player in possession down almost immediately. They do work very hard throughout and they could be a tough side to break down.

 

Weakness – They are one of the most potent sides in front of goal in that when Santa Cruz doesn’t play they seem lost up front. Their attacks often break down because there is very little movement in and around the oppositions box, with Nelson Valdez often having to pick up the ball from deep in order to get Paraguay forward. Cabanas was their saviour though without Santa Cruz, but he looks unlikely to feature during the summer so they could be heavily relying on the form and fitness of Santa Cruz.

 

 

 

 

 

Qualification:

 

 

Sector: South American

Position: 3rd

Win-Draw-Lose: 10-3-5

Goals Scored: 24

Goals Conceded: 16

 

Paraguay were mighty impressive during qualifying and earned many plaudits for their hard work, endeavour and sensational results over some of South American’s giants; beating both Brazil (2-0) & Argentina (1-0) in Paraguay. They also enjoyed a stint at the top of the South American table before stepping off the gas when they neared the finish line as qualification looked assured.

 

 

 

 

World Cup Potential: 2/5

 

Personally, we don’t fancy their chances as they don’t look dangerous enough in the final third. They do have a great work ethic and do set up in a very organised manner, but, however, that negative manner of play will only get you so far and we can’t see Paraguay scoring enough goals, especially against the World bigger footballing nations, to make any real inroads this summer.

 

 

 

 

Current World Cup Odds (Outright): 80/1 Expekt

 

World Cup Group F - Table

Rank	Team	Matches / Points
	Italy	0 Matches / 0 Points
	Paraguay	0 Matches / 0 Points
	New Zealand	0 Matches / 0 Points
	Slovakia	0 Matches / 0 Points

World Cup Fixtures and Results