Paraguay

Paraguay will be competing in their fourth consecutive World Cup in South Africa, but if the last three are any indicator, the second round will be the most they can hope for.

The South Americans finished third in qualifying for the World Cup, but still managed to win more games than table toppers Brazil. Ten wins from the 18 game marathon left them one point behind the Selecao and level with Chile. Qualifying has recently been the forte of Guanaries, but turning outstanding qualifying performances into World Cup results has been a problem. 

The build up to June 14th's opener with Italy has not gone smoothly thus far. Defeat in Dublin was followed up with a draw against Cote d'Ivoire. Greece represent their final chance of a warm-up win.

A rugged defence and strict organisation have been associated with Paraguayan football for generations, just like in Uruguay. Much of the same should be expected in 2010, and for the fourth straight tournament neutral fans will be uninspired.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

This is La Albirroja's eight World Cup appearance, the first dating all the way back to 1930. An admirable record for a country of six million, but early exits have been a common theme. The second round has been reached three times, most notably in 1998, when the hosts France were kept at bay until extra time and ultimately until Laurent Blanc's golden goal.   

SCHEDULE- Group F

Italy                    June 14th- Cape Town

Slovakia             June 20th- Bloemfontein

New Zealand      June 24th- Polokwane

The group will give Paraguayans hope of qualification to the second round for a fourth time. Slovakia are making their first appearance and New Zealand are a small footballing nation making only their second. People back home will be expecting their team to win those games, although they will be much tougher than that.

Italy will surely top the group, no matter what kind of state they are currently in, so second is up for grabs. Paraguay will feel they are capable of filling it.

KEY PLAYERS

  

Despite their historical reputation as a defensive outfit, Paraguay's current stars are all attackers.

Roque Santa Cruz has had a difficult couple of seasons with injuries and loss of form but he is a class act nonetheless, capable with both feet and his head.

Salvador Cabanas was the star of the team during qualification, playing as a traditional playmaker but has tragically been left out of the final 23-man squad. Lucas Barrios, a target man from Borrussia Dortmund, has been preferred in place of Cabanas.

ONE TO WATCH- Oscar Cardozo

He has only managed four goals in nearly 30 games for his country but he has had an amazing season with Portuguese champions Benfica and is on the shopping list of many top European clubs. This may be his moment to shine.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

A second round meeting will probably be with Holland, which will be followed by Spain, even winning that the first of those would be a miracle.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Being knocked out at the group stage is equally as likely for Paraguay as going through, as Slovakia have a strong first XI, but losing to New Zealand would be the ultimate embarrassment.

PREDICTION

The second game, against the European minnows will be a battle for second place. Without Cabanas and therefore any midfield unpredictability, a third place finish may be the end result.