Paraguay happy, optimistic, with good reason

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This article was published 21/06/2010 (5949 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Paraguay has its sights on a first World Cup quarter-final after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Slovakia.

With a 1-1 draw against World Cup holder Italy in the bag and striker Roque Santa Cruz back to full fitness, there are plenty of reasons for the South Americans’ optimism.

"These results have strengthened us mentally and spiritually, not just as football players but in our attitude as well," coach Gerardo Martino said. "I think we should take advantage as much as possible of the result of this match and I am going beyond the pure mathematics of the result."

And Paraguay’s campaign was boosted further just hours after its win over Slovakia when Italy was held to a 1-1 draw by minnow New Zealand, leaving Paraguay in control of the Group F.

Paraguay is at its eighth World Cup, and fourth in a row, but Martino and his players are enjoying a deeper feeling of contentment in the camp than in previous competitions.

"Our minds are very open," Santa Cruz said. "We are thinking if we keep performing as well as we expect…and keep working as hard as we are now, anything is possible."

The Paraguayans have been a smiling, joyful unit since they arrived in Bloemfontein on Saturday morning — something the unravelling France team is certain not to be when it arrives in the same city Monday for its final group game against South Africa.

Martino even casually joked with the Paraguayan journalists in his pre-match media conference, the media responding with compliments about the strength of the team.

The Argentine coach’s team plays adventurous, attacking football and led by a three-man attack of Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios.

"We were good in defence and we were good in attack," said midfielder Enrique Vera, who opened the scoring against Slovakia in the first half with a well-worked goal.

Paraguay appears popular with the opposition, too.

"Our opponent was a really high quality opponent and their victory was deserved," Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss said. "My favourite has always been Paraguay and this was confirmed today."

— The Associated Press

Slovakia 0 0 — 0

Paraguay 1 1 — 2

First Half

1. Paraguay, Enrique Vera 1, 27th minute.

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Second Half

2. Paraguay, Cristian Riveros 1, 86th.

Shots — Slovakia: 6; Paraguay: 11.

Shots On Goal — Slovakia: 1; Paraguay: 5.

Attendance — 26,643.