Despite the fact that they have been a mainstay in the America Cup, Paraguay has not won an American Cup title in 28 years. In order to break that curse coach Gerardo Martino needs to field an experienced team, especially with stars from the past generation.
Roque Santa Cruz and Cabañas will lead the attack, while Paulo Da Silva will lead the defense. Midfielder Montiel is one of the coach's hopes, who look to renew the national team.
The America Cup could be the ideal "laboratory" for Martino to experiment, in order to find new pieces for his team. In the last edition of the America Cup in 2004 Paraguay had a discrete showing finishing fifth.
Coach
Gerardo Martino
Gerardo Martino was confirmed as the new coach of the Paraguayan National Team this past February. He takes over for Anibal Ruiz, who left the team after World Cup 2006. Martino was hired after winning the league title, and an impressive campaign with Libertad in the Libertadores Cup.
The Star
Roque Santa Cruz
Roque Santa Cruz, also known as "Babygol", is fast and is a great presence in the box. The striker is the goal scoring hope for the Paraguayans. Despite the title he has won with Bayern Munich, Santa Cruz has not been content being on the bench and might look for another club after the season.
Olimpia, Cerro Porteño, Guaraní, 12 de Octubre, Libertad and Sportivo Luqueño
Mundiais
32
Tentative Line Up
Justo Villar; Darío Verón, Julio César Cáceres, Paulo Da Silva and Enrique Vera; Edgar González, Carlos Humberto Paredes, Aureliano Torres and Joé Montiel; Salvador Cabañas and Roque Santa Cruz
