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Keeping up with South America - Paraguay News

Matias Vulej, June 10 2010,
From the heart of America comes the Charrua squad, who might be the revelation of this competition.

Paraguay managed to claim the first position of the qualifying stages in South America, but the second half of the competition showed the worst of Tata Martino squad. Nonetheless, and thanks to the nationalization of certain Argentinean players, the Charruas are now widely regarded as the favorite on their group and a solid candidate to advance deep in this world competition. Nelson Haedo Valdez and Oscar Cardozo's absence in the starting eleven could rapidly be covered by Lucas Barrios' brutal awakening, scoring in every match played for Paraguay.

 



The last few matches have shown serious problems on Paraguay's back line, as the team appears to be unable to stand against an offensive opponent. Their rivals in Group F are known better for their technical abilities than for the ferocity of their attempts to claim a match, but such finesse in their skills can be deadly considering the many mistakes Martino's back line has been committing. This will be Paraguay's seventh world competition, and the numbers become more important considering its the forth consecutive one.

The third place obtained by the white & red during in the qualification stage is feeding their hopes of advancing as far as possible in this competition, and provided a victory against Italy in the first match such situation will become rather possible. Team's coach recognized this squad is "the most complete" Paraguay had in many years, confident their players will be able to live up to the expectations arisen along these last four years.
 

AC Milan is already interested in Barrios. Will they pay the 30 million they're asking for?Tata Martino has been seen joyful during the last weeks, and Lucas Barrios might have much to do with this, for team's coach has find the last piece of the puzzle: he is the ideal support for the many specialists the Charruas find in the offensive. At the same time, Roque Santa Cruz gives an offensive variation to the team by focusing on a different approach than the rest of Paraguay's strikers, who rely heavily on physical advantage.

During the first week of training in South Africa Oscar Cardozo, Nelson Haedo, Edgar Benítez, Edgar Barreto and Rodolfo Gamarra experienced different problems, which shadowed Martino's head upon arrival. All of them, however, appear to be fully recovered for the much expected debut against the current World champion. This same team defeated both Brazil and Argentina during the qualifying stages, and thus all Guarani warriors have already drunk the blood of a titan. A victory against  Marcelo Lippi's squad will have the top of the group almost secured for Paraguay.


Gerardo Martino is determined to go for the victory against the Squadra Azzurra. for he knows if they adopt a defensive position they won't be able to advance and hurt the Italians at any moment. Aureliano Torres' presence leading the advance from the bands will be fundamental, as proven during the friendly matches of the last weeks. The stars appear to be shining forth for Paraguay, but there's no such thing as destiny in football. Only by fierce determination and effort Martino's squad will be able to fulfill its destiny.
 
Team's coach Gerardo MartinoParaguay is without any doubt the most versatile South American team in the competition. The different offensive strategies Gerardo Martino can adopt with its squad give the team a clear edge over their rivals. But the way to combine such firepower with a solid defense will be what the coach will have to elucidate before next Monday, when Paraguay takes on Italy.

 

 

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