Paraguay

Confederation: CONMEBOL (South America)
Head coach: Gerardo Martino
Captain: Denis Caniza
Group: F


Roque Santa Cruz is perhaps the most well known Paraguayan player, but he plays in a team surrounded by quality players. Players like Christian Riveros and Óscar Cardozo may not be well known to some of you, but they have the ability and prowess needed for the world stage. Paraguay ended in the South American qualifiers in third place, finishing above Argentina. Paraguay have a very experienced defense, consisting of Sunderland's Paulo Da Silva and Denis Caniza, who will play in his 4th World Cup.

Unfortunately, striker Salvador Cabanas won't make the finals, after being shot in the head in Mexico. There had been talk of Cabanas making a miraculous recovery in time for the competition, but this was untrue. The Paraguayans have superb technical ability and like to keep possession. Paraquay should reach the second round, holders Italy are also in group F but minnows Slovakia and New Zealand are not likely to advance.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Justo Villar (Real Valladolid, Spain), Aldo Bobadilla (Independiente Medellin, Colombia), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteno);

Defenders: Denis Caniza (Leon, Mexico), Dario Veron (Pumas, Mexico), Julio Caceres (Atletico Mineiro, Brazil), Paulo Da Silva (Sunderland, England), Claudio Morel Rodriguez (Boca Juniors, Argentina), Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan, Eng), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo, Argentina);

Midfielders: Cristian Riveros (Sunderland, England), Enrique Vera (LDU Quito, Ecuador), Edgar Barreto (Atalanta, Italy), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg, Germany), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors, Argentina);

Attackers: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City, England), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica, Portugal), Edgar Benitez (Pachuca, Mexico), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad).

Ant Myers