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Paraguay were under the spotlight as soon as it arrived, as first up for the talented team is title holder Italy. That would be a daunting prospect for most teams, but Paraguay can no longer be regarded as a minnow having this year reached its fourth...
Paraguay were under the spotlight as soon as it arrived, as first up for the talented team is title holder Italy.
That would be a daunting prospect for most teams, but Paraguay can no longer be regarded as a minnow having this year reached its fourth straight finals.
Much of the merit for that has been given to coach Gerardo Martino, who has managed to negotiate a delicate transition phase for his team, whilst still getting the results.
Squad
Coach: Gerardo Martino
Goalkeepers: Justo Villar, Aldo Bobadilla and Diego Barreto.
Defenders: Claudio Morel Rodriguez, Denis Caniza, Paulo da Silva, Dario Veron, Julio Cesar Caceres, Carlos Bonet, Aureliano Torres and Antolin Alcaraz.
Midfielders: Edgar Barreto, Cristian Riveros, Victor Caceres, Enrique Vera, Jonathan Santana and Nestor Ortigoza.
Forwards: Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo Valdez, Oscar Cardozo, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios and Rodolfo Gamarra.