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Paraguay

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Group B | World ranking: 33

Qualification: Finished fourth in South American qualifying
Coach: Anibal Mano Ruiz
Key Players: Nelson Valdez (forward), Carlos Gamarra (defender)
Past Record: Reached the second round at last two tournaments

Group D Matches:
June 10: England (Frankfurt)
June 15: Sweden (Berlin)
June 20: Trinidad & Tobago (Kaiserslautern)

Tight second round eliminations at the last two World Cups, both times against eventual finalists, along with participation in South America's highly competitive qualifying tournament have left Paraguay with a battle-hardened group of players who will cause problems for everyone they come up against. Add to that some of the rising stars that won silver at the 2004 Olympics, and Paraguay start to look like a side that could do some damage. Much will depend, though, on whether the inspirational Valdez, who plays in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, can add an attacking edge to Paraguay's solidly defensive style.

Squad

Goalkeepers:
1. Justo Villar (Newell's Old Boys)
12. Derlis Gomez (Luqueno)
22. Aldo Bobadilla (Libertad)

Defenders:
2. Jorge Nunez (Estudiantes)
3. Delio Toledo (Real Zaragoza)
4. Carlos Gamarra (Palmeiras)
5. Julio Cesar Caceres (River Plate)
14. Paulo Da Silva (Toluca)
15. Julio Manzur (Santos)
21. Denis Caniza (Cruz Azul)

Midfielders:
6. Carlos Bonet (Libertad)
8. Edgar Barreto (NEC Nijmegen)
10. Roberto Acuna (Deportivo La Coruna)
11. Diego Gavilan (Newell's Old Boys)
13. Carlos Paredes (Reggina)
16. Christian Riveros (Libertad)
17. Jose Montiel (Olimpia)
19. Julio Dos Santos (Bayern Munich)

Forwards:
7. Salvador Cabanas (Jaguares)
9. Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich)
18. Nelson Valdez (Werder Bremen)
20. Jose Cardozo (no club)
23. Nelson Cuevas (Pachuca)

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