The Road to South Africa

By October 2008, it seemed Paraguay would win the South American group at a canter. They had won seven and drawn two of their opening 10 games and beaten Uruguay and Brazil at home and Chile away, while forcing a 1-1 draw with Argentina in Buenos Aires. Predictably, perhaps, they hit a sticky patch losing three of their next four games, although Brazil still had to come from behind to win in Recife. Nevertheless, with Cabanas and Valdez forming a lethally-effective partnership up front, there was never any doubt that Paraguay would be going to South Africa and they confirmed it with a 1-0 win over Argentina in the Defensores del Chaco stadium.

The Star Players

Justo Villar (Valladolid) The keeper charged with filling the gap left by Jose Luis Chilavert’s retirement, the 32-year-old would hope for a better World Cup in goal than four years ago when he lasted seven minutes against England before withdrawing through injury. He took no further part in the tournament.

Oscar Cardozo (Benfica) An integral part of a Benfica side that impressed both domestically and in the Europa League, Cardozo goes to South Africa on the back of his finest season in front of goal at the Estadio da Luz, the highlight of which was a 5-0 thrashing of Everton.

Salvador Cabanas (Club America) Should he make it to the World Cup at all, it will be a remarkable story. In January the striker who had done so much to spearhead Paraguay’s qualification was shot in a Mexico City nightclub. Such is his status in the Paraguayan squad that he may be taken just for his presence.

The Coach

Gerardo Martino Reacting to the 1-0 victory over the country of his birth that saw Paraguay through to South Africa, this quietly-spoken Argentinian said: “Anyone who coaches a national team does so for two reasons; either to stay in the job or go down in history. I have chosen the second option.” Getting Paraguay to a quarter-final for the first time would represent history in Asuncion. Martino has distinguished himself domestically by winning championships with Cerro Porteno and Liberdad and by some tough decisions such as ignoring the claims of an unpredictable midfield talent like Julio dos Santos.

Honours

World Cup: Round of 16 1998, 2002.
Copa America: Winners 1979. Semi-finalists 1983.

Analysis

Four years ago, Paraguay produced a leaden series of performances in Germany that saw them manage to overcome just Trinidad and Tobago. Should they exit South Africa with just a win over New Zealand, this year’s equivalent, it will be hard to forgive. Should they discover the kind of form that saw them overcome Brazil, Argentina and Chile in qualification, then they might be an outside bet to give Italy a very nasty surprise in the opening fixture in Cape Town. They could top Group F but this relies on them keeping their nerve and confidence. Since the team that finishes second will almost certainly face Holland in Durban, unless Paraguay win the group it looks like another exit at the last -16 stage.

Verdict

Squad (3/5)
This is a remarkably well-balanced squad who have proved they can punch above their weight. Much will depend on confidence within the camp.

Coach (3/5)
He rarely makes headlines but Martino has proved to be one of the most effective managers Paraguay have had in years.

Attack (3.5/5)
At their best, Paraguay have a very dangerous array of midfielders and forwards.

Defence (2.5/5)
Were Chilavert at his peak, then Paraguay would go into the tournament with a bit more confidence but the back four did the job in qualification.