World Cup Preview - Group B - Paraguay

Paraguay

Coach: Uruguayan Anibal "Mano" Ruiz.

Game Schedule:
June 10 – Paraguay vs. England (10 a.m. EST)
June 15 – Paraguay vs. Sweden (3 p.m.)
June 20 – Paraguay vs. Trinidad and Tobago (3 p.m.)

Prospects: Paraguay qualified for their seventh World Cup Final outing by qualifying fourth out of the Conmebol conference. They’ve gone out at the Round of Sixteen to eventual champions at the last two competitions. This time around, they’ll be hard pressed to repeat the feat. Ruiz has a side that’s played together well, but is aging. They’ll be without the outrageous talent of goalkeeper Jose Chilavert for the first time in recent history. They’ll have to hit the ground running with at least a draw from the England match in order to have any chance.

Big Media Story: Their tactic of speaking the native Paraguayan language of Guarani to confuse Spanish-speaking opponents in the conference. Will this work against the likes of England and Sweden?

Key Player: Reggina playmaker Carlos Paredes, the star of qualifying.

Youngster to watch: In an aging squad, 23 year old striker Haedo Valdez is the guy to watch.

Who Will Get the Goals: If he’s fit, striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Who Will Get the Cards: Veteran Depor stopper Roberto Miguel Acuna.

Prediction: Three points from a win against T&T; not quite enough to progress.

~Bob