More On :  Paraguay
There is a quiet optimism in Paraguayan football that has not been seen for many years, since the days when the legendary Jose Luis Chilavert used to fill the Guarani net with his more than ample frame. A quarter-final finish in the 2010 World Cup has allowed Paraguay to be considered one of the premier teams on the continent, and it would be a surprise to no one if they mount a serious challenge in 2011.
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Argentine coach Gerardo Martino deserves a lot of the credit for whipping the side into shape with his no-nonsense, disciplinarian approach. He has taken a risk in this tournament by leaving out Benfica star Oscar Cardozo, which means more than ever, the burden will fall on Roque Santa Cruz to provide a spark for the less than prolific landlocked country.
  PLAYER TO WATCH

Lucas Barrios

The Argentine-born striker is by far the most impressive Paraguayan currently performing in Europe. The nationalised Guarani has already played in a World Cup, and is shining in Germany where he recently lifted the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund. His 13 goals were a key factor in the club taking glory.

Strong, quick and with a great head, the 'Pantera' appears to have the world at his feet ahead of the Copa.

COPA AMERICA HISTORY

  • Best position: Champions (1953 & 1979)
  • Biggest victory: 7-0 vs Bolivia, Copa America 1949
  • Worst defeat: 8-0 vs Argentina, Copa America 1926

HOW THEY PLAY

Tactics and order are the two sacred pillars of Gerardo Martino, a Bielsista to the core. His favoured formation is a standard 4-4-2 that he uses to hit hard on the counter. Paraguay will not wow with their possession play, but then they do not aim to. Occasionally the ball will be pinged around with class, but the key is catching the opposition off-guard.

That is why Martino asks for total concentration in defence to take the ball and move away quickly. What you will never see is a No. 10 in 'Tata's' line-ups, with the two centre-midfielders controlling the tempo. It has not always been popular, but Martino's impressive results have gone a long way to silence critics.

THE SQUAD

Name Position Age Club
Justo Villar
 Goalkeeper 33
 Valladolid
Diego Barreto
 Goalkeeper 29
Cerro Porteno
Roberto Fernandez
 Goalkeeper 23
 Racing Club
Elvis Marecos
 Defender 31
Guarani
Marcos Caceres
 Defender 25
 Racing Club
Paulo Da Silva
 Defender 31
Zaragoza
Ivan Piris
 Defender 22
 Cerro Porteno
Darío Verón
 Defender 31 Pumas
Antolín Alcaraz
 Defender 28
 Wigan
Aureliano Torres
 Defender
 28
 San Lorenzo
Hernán Perez
 Midfield 22
 Villarreal B
Cristian Riveros
 Midfield 28
 Sunderland
Jonathan Santana
 Midfield 29
 Kayserispor
Víctor Caceres
 Midfield 26
 Libertad
Edgar Barreto
 Midfield 26
 Atalanta
Enrique Vera
 Midfield 32
 LDU Quito
Nestor Ortigoza
 Midfield 26
 San Lorenzo
Osvaldo Martinez
 Forward 25
 Atlante
Nelson Haedo
 Forward 27
 Hércules
Roque Santa Cruz
 Forward 29
 Blackburn Rovers
Lucas Barrios
 Forward 26
 Borussia Dortmund
Marcelo Estigarribia
 Forward 29
 Newell's Old Boys
Pablo Zeballos Forward 25
 Olimpia

ALL-TIME LEGEND

Julio Cesar Romero

Considered by many the greatest player in the history of Paraguayan football, 'Romerito' was a creative player who was characterised by his speed, and precision in his passing.

He received the honour of being named South American Player of the Year in 1985, and was also the only Paraguayan to be included by Pele in his list of the best 125 best footballers still alive today. Romero formed part of Johan Cruyff's Barcelona 'Dream Team', and he is also recognised as one of Fluminense's finest footballers.
Midfield
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WCQS Bolivia - Paraguay 09/06/2012 21:00 BST
  
Top Scorers
Player Goals Penalties
C. Riveros C. Riveros
Midfielder
Paraguay 		3 0
A. Bogado A. Bogado
Striker
Paraguay 		1 1
Haedo Valdéz Haedo Valdéz
Striker
Paraguay 		1 0
J. Santana J. Santana
Midfielder
Paraguay 		1 0
Edgar Benítez Edgar Benítez
Striker
Paraguay 		1 0