Paraguay World Cup Preview

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F ROQUE SANTA CRUZ Q&A What are your earliest memories of watching the World Cup? Mexico 1986, when Argentina became champions. But I recall 1990 much better; I was nine then and I remember the games featuring Argentina and Germany, and Andy Brehme's penalty in the final. Which of your teammates should people look out for at the finals? Apart from me? There's Roberto Acuna, who's one of our best players. We're expecting a lot from him. What stage do people back home expect you to reach? Our people are full of enthusiasm -- after all, it's the first time we've qualified for consecutive World Cups. They expect us to make the second round at the very least, maybe even the quarterfinals. And if we get that far, anything can happen. If you don't win the World Cup, who will? France are clear favorites but Argentina, Brazil and England are in with a chance, and Germany, too. They've always had the ability to raise their game in tournaments, and they have loads of experience. Is there too much money in football? There may well be. Too much has been paid in transfer fees recently, and players' wages are pretty high everywhere at the moment. It can't be a good sign that a club like Lazio are in trouble financially.

How they line up

Unless the 4-0 mauling by England leads to a rethink, coach Cesare Maldini will effectively take his predecessor's team to the World Cup. During qualification, Sergio Markarian favored a 4-4-2 formation, which Maldini says he has insufficient time to change. Only in the run-up to the World Cup will the new coach have an extended period of time with his players. So if he hits the panic button, this will be his only chance to do something about it.

Jose Luis Chilavert continues in goal, but suspension keeps him out of the opener against South Africa. So in will almost certainly come the stocky Ricardo Tavarelli, a competent shot stopper who has deputized for Chilavert on other important occasions. Normal service will surely be resumed for the remaining games, with the experience, charisma and howitzer kicking of Chilavert restored.

Francisco Arce is the regular right-back. Though age and injuries have increased his defensive weaknesses, his magnificent crosses and set-pieces are as important as ever to the Paraguay attack. On the other flank, Denis Caniza has worked hard to convert himself from a reserve center-back to a left-back who can supply attacking options.

The old firm of Celso Ayala and Carlos Gamarra remain at the heart of the defense, although there are fears that they have grown too old. Should Maldini decide that the team need the extra security of a third center-back, then the obvious option would be to draft in Pedro Sarabia, who figured alongside the duo in France '98. Another is Julio Cesar Caceres, seen as the long-term successor to Gamarra. His namesake, Juan Daniel Caceres, is a tough, adventurous alternative.

Injuries have affected the Paraguayan midfield in the warm-up matches. The ideal formation, though, would be to have two combative players in the center and a more creative figure on either flank. Roberto Acuna, who organizes the play from the right, is "The Bull," with strength, skill and stamina. On the other flank, Guido Alvarenga, known as "The Wizard," is light in build but gifted with a wonderfully subtle left foot.

Estanislao Struway is the experienced, no-frills central midfield marker. Carlos Paredes is competitive and versatile, with the ability to win the ball, set up and finish off the move.

Paredes can also operate on the left if need be, where another option is Gustavo Morinigo. Flying left-winger Jorge Campos is useful on the counter-attack. Central midfield options are the dynamic Carlos Bonet, though he lacks precision, and Victor Quintana, powerful but with a suspect temperament. With his lung power and promise, Diego Gavilan is in contention for a place on the right flank. Julio Cesar Enciso offers great experience in a defensive midfield role.

Up front is the much-improved Jose Cardozo, full of bustling aggression. Breaking from just behind him is the team's great hope, 20-year-old Roque Santa Cruz, the beanpole Bayern Munich striker with a burst of acceleration and a touch of class. Richart Baez has re-established himself as the main attacking reserve.

From World Soccer magazine.

 

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