Profile:

The Paraguay national football team has reached the second round of the World Cup on three occasions (in 1986, 1998 and 2002) but has never advanced beyond that stage. Paraguay's only major tournament victories have come in the Copa América, in which they triumphed in 1953 and 1979. They also won a silver medal in the football tournament at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, being defeated 1-0 by Argentina in the final.

The coach:
 
Gerardo Martino

Born in November 1962 in Rosario, Gerardo Martino is yet another Argentinian ian tactician currently excelling in the South American game. The man they call El Tata made his name in the 1990s as a talented attacking midfielder before moving into coaching in 1998. Often compared to his mentor Marcelo Bielsa, Martino was rewarded for his efforts at Libertad in 2006 when he accepted the invitation to take over the national side from Anibal Ruiz. The hard-working Argentinianian proved to be an inspired choice, keeping a low profile as his side negotiated their way to South Africa 2010 in record-breaking fashion.

The star players

Roque Santa Cruz needs no introduction after several successful seasons in England, his importance to the national side undiminished despite his absence from most of the qualifying competition. Deputising admirably throughout the campaign were Oscar Cardozo and Nelson Haedo Valdez, who scored 11 goals between them. The formidable threerio  were all present at Germany 2006, and memories of Paraguay's disappointing group-phase exit could be the spur they need to get in among the goals in South Africa.

Roque Santa Cruz

Date of Birth: August 16, 1981

Height: 188cm

Playing Position: Forward

Oscar Cardozo

Date of Birth: May 20, 1983

Height: 194cm

Playing Position: Forward

Nelson Valdez Photo: Courtesy of adidas

Date of Birth: November 28, 1983

Height: 178cm

Playing Position: Forward

Previous:

Paraguay just put together their best-ever qualification campaign. At France 1998 and South Korea/Japan 2002, the Paraguayans reached the Round of 16 before being knocked out by France and Germany respectively.

Preview:

The Albirroja are considered second favorites to be promoted from Group F after Italy. Slovakia and New Zealand might disagree.

Voice:

"The secret to our qualification was the fact that the players and all the professionals involved with the national team went about their job responsibly and with a minimum of fuss." manager Gerardo Martino.
 

Squad list:

Gk    Diego Barreto

Gk    Aldo Bobadilla

Gk    Justo Villar

         Jorge Achucarro

         Antolin Alcaraz

         Sergio Aquino

         Edgar Barreto

         Lucas Barrios

         Edgar Benitez

         Carlos Bonet

         Julio Cesar Caceres

         Marcos Caceres

         Victor Caceres

         Denis Caniza

         Oscar Cardozo

         Paulo Da Silva

         Marcelo Estigarribia

         Rodolfo Gamarra

         Eduardo Ledesma

         Julio Manzur

         Osvaldo Martinez

         Claudio Morel

         Nestor Ortigoza

         Cristian Riveros

         Roque Santa Cruz

         Jonathan Santana

         Aureliano Torres

         Nelson Valdez

         Enrique Vera

         Dario Veron