Topics: FIFA World Cup, Paraguay, Slovakia, Group F
A draw against the former champion is like a victory for the Guaranies, who will have the chance to claim the top of the group against the less experienced nation in this competition

The label of "South American revelation" might be too heavy for Gerardo Martino's squad to deal with, but up to the moment the Paraguayans have stand for their name proudly. A highly tactical team with a sharp offense will take on Marek Hamsik's Slovakia for the top of the group, a trophy deserved only for the winner. The Eastern Europeans still have to take on the Squadra Azzurra, while the Guaranies are expecting New Zealand for their third match.

Defy the king

Once again the Paraguayans proved their worth in a world championship, having stood up against the Italians for their place within the best sixteen. Thanks to Antolin Alcaraz the Albirroja could have won the debut match, but nevertheless the result was positive for Gerardo Martino. Team's coach declared "We are more than satisfied with the result, Paraguayans can dream with the title. We can face any rival on equal terms, we're really optimistic regarding our future".

 

Team's winger Aureliano Torres communicated the same spirit that the manager. Regarding the next match at the Bloemfontein, San Lorenzo's player recognized how important attitude is in such tough matches. "The team is ready to write history" he declared. Paraguay's physical advantage will be a decisive factor against Slovakia, for aerial play can be a nightmare for the Europeans. The first match showed air was going to be a vital medium for the Guaranies in South Africa.

It is yet unknown if Oscar Cardozo will be able to lead the offense. Lucas Barrios made its first weak performance in the team after three successful matches, will he still be chosen over Manchester's Roque Santa Cruz? Nelson Haedo Valdez is confident on their luck against the Eastern squad, as Italy was regarded as the favorite in the group and the Guaranies succeeded on the hottest clash of the group.

On Hamsik's hands

Slovakia has a test of fire against the South American squad, as they should start packing their bags if the Guaranies keep the three points for themselves. With another tough match waiting ahead (when Marek Hamsik's team faces the current World champion), Slovakia needs to end this match at least with a point, for there will be nothing to do if they finish this match empty-handed.

Stanislav Sestak and Erik Jendrisek will have the responsibility of finding a way to break Martino's tight defensive display. It will be difficult for the redeeming goal to come from the air. Marek Hamsik will play a role of utmost importance, unweaving Paraguay's defensive structure and exposing the weaknesses of the back line. He might be under close watch by Paraguay's defensive midfielders

Slovakia's coach is the youngest one in South Africa, aged only 32. Having wasted his best opportunity to obtain points against the other underdog in this death's group, team's classic 4-4-2 formation will pose a problem to worry Paraguay's highly technical scheme: Miroslav Stoch and Vladimir Weiss can join Sestak and Vittek in the last meters to find a way to pierce Albirroja's back line.

Having lost focus on the game in the last minutes of last week's match, Weiss' players will have to secure at least one point not to be sent back home after this match. Team's players were given a day off at a golf course to ease their mind and face with renewed energies Martino's squad. Will this be enough to stop one of America's favorites?