A1 SPORTS
Paraguay, the Only Team Closest to Beating France in the Last World Cup
Four years ago, Paraguay
came as close as anyone to beating eventual world champion France, losing
only on a golden goal by Laurent Blanc. The heart and soul of that team
was an inspirational defensive line, led by goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert
and central defender Carlos Gamarra. The same two men are expected to
be influential this time around, except now the side has some flair as
well, with Roque Santa Cruz leading a dangerous attack.
However, will six months be enough time for new manager Cesare Maldini
to learn about his players and design a successful tactical scheme?
Paraguay had a memorable qualifying campaign, for all the good and bad reasons. It beat Brazil for the first time ever and it was the only country not to lose to Argentina. But manager Sergio Makarian was fired after the side lost its final two matches to Venezuela and Colombia, so which is the real Paraguay? Will this inconsistency carry over to the finals? The Paraguayan federation hopes not; that's why they hired Maldini to take over as coach. The Italian's skills will be tested as he takes on a new team at a crucial time. His first mission is to restore the team's defense. Traditionally stingy, the Paraguayan back line let in 23 goals in 18 qualifiers.
About
its Key Player
Roque Santa Cruz. The
Bayern Munich striker has found it hard to make regular first-team appearances
in Germany because he has Elber, Carsten Jancker, Claudio Pizarro and
Paulo Sergio to fight off for a striking role. But there are many reasons
why Bayern manager Ottmar Hitzfeld keeps him around. Santa Cruz is fast,
skillfull and good in the air. Paraguay has to get the best out of its
talented front man if it is going to go anywhere in the competition. No
one doubts their defensive attributes; the question is, can they score
goals? And Santa Cruz has to be the man to answer that particular question.
Drawbacks
Lack of
creativity. Paraguay has an industrious five-man midfield, with Carlos
Paredes, Acuna and Victor Quintana battling for every ball. The problem
is that they really don't have a designated "No. 10" to link
the play with attack. Jose Santurino Cardozo normally occupies that slot,
but he is a natural striker, so tends to stay up front a bit too much.
Santa Cruz needs ammunition if he is going to be firing in the goals,
and Maldini needs to find someone who can consistently do it.
About
the Country
Paraguay has a population of about 5.4 million people, the vast majority
of the people live in the eastern region, most within 100 miles of Asuncion,
the capital and largest city. Spanish rule prevailed until Paraguay declared
its independence by overthrowing the local Spanish authorities in May
1811. Today, a large percentage of the population derives its living from
agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Provided by CountryWatch.com
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