Paraguay

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 13th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Finished fourth in CONMEBOL Final Group (9-6-3; 29 GF, 23 GA)

2001 Overall Record: 4-6-4

World Cup final appearances: 6- 1930 (9th), 1950 (11th), 1958 (12th), 1986 (13th), 1998 (14th), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 4-5-6

Record vs. U.S.: 0-1-2; 2 GF, 5 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 2, Paraguay 2 in San Diego, Calif.; March 14, 1998 (Deering, Balboa; Caniza, Arce)

Manager: None

Championship Honors: 1953 Copa America champions

Key Players: Jose Luis Chilavert (GK, Panathinaikos), Roque Santa Cruz (F, Bayern Munich)

Fast Facts: Led by headline-grabbing goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, Paraguay have qualified for their second consecutive World Cup.... Despite Chilavert's presence, Paraguay allowed 1.28 goals per game (and 23 overall goals) across 18 qualifiers, both the worst of all 29 qualifying nations.... Chilavert is suspended for the first two games of the World Cup, part of a four-game suspension handed out during qualifying.... Almost rained on France's championship parade in 1998 by taking the eventual champions into overtime before finally losing in the second round.