Can they keep their momentum going in South Africa?

Paraguay started qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup strongly and led the South American standings for some time. They needed that strong start because they struggled in 2009, returning an overall record of four wins, six defeats and two draws. Nonetheless, they finished third on the log, only two points behind top of the table Brazil, and behind Chile on goal difference only.

Those 12 matches did at least reveal that Paraguay has a sound defense as they never conceded more than two goals. Then again, they never scored more than two goals in a game.

The last time Paraguay played in the World Cup in 2002, South Africans fans might remember how they edged out Bafana Bafana for a place in the second round by scoring three goals in the second half of a 3-1 win over Slovenia. That saw the South Americans advance with the same goal difference as South Africa, but having scored more goals: 5-5 to SA’s 4-4.

Gerardo Martino, a former Argentina international, Martino replaced the Uruguayan, Anibal Ruiz. His knowledge and success while coaching Paraguayan clubs made him the best man for the job.

Martino says: “In the national team, you work for two possibilities – you can work for having a job or for making history. I want to work for the second option.”

Paraguay’s current squad is undergoing a transition following the retirement of key players such as Carlos Gamarra, Francisco Arce, Celso Ayala, and goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert. Their under-19 side won the Milk Cup in 2002, 2003 and 2006, and players such as Nelson Haedo Valdez, Julio dos Santos, José Montiel and Oscar Cardozo are thought key to the re-building of the team.

Justo Villar, the Albirroja goalkeeper and captain: “It might look as though we sailed through the qualifying campaign, but nothing could be further from the truth. We led the standings for half the campaign, and then just when we were about to wrap things up, we had a shaky spell, which raised doubts among the fans. That’s why we celebrated in style when we finally made it.”

Paraguay will look to striker Roque Santa Cruz for inspiration. He missed most of his country’s qualifying matches, but remains an important cog in their machine. In South Africa, the Paraguayan supporters will expect a lot from him. Another man to keep an eye on will be Salvador Cabañas.

The 2007 South American Player of the Year, he has averaged a goal every second game throughout his club career. Fellow defender Antolin Alcaraz has stated his belief that La Albirroja can reach the Semi-Finals or further, so could this often-forgotten nation of South American football, often in the shadow of their illustrious neighbors, rise to the top of the pile this time around?

Paraguay are no strangers to the World Cup, having featured in seven previous tournaments. They secured their place at fourth-straight World Cup finals with two games to spare after a 1-0 win over Argentina. Nelson Valdez’s goal earned his side victory over Diego Maradona’s struggling outfit in the South American qualifying group.

Which country will win the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Spain 5.50

Brazil 6.00

England 7.00

USA 41.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more 2010 FIFA World Cup betting odds. Want to watch soccer live? Get sporting events tickets online now.

Paraguay FIFA World Cup