Paraguay at the FIFA World Cup

Participation of Paraguay's national football team in the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is an international association football competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946, due to World War II.

The tournament consists of two parts, the qualification phase and the final phase (officially called the World Cup Finals). The qualification phase, which currently take place over the three years preceding the Finals, is used to determine which teams qualify for the Finals. The current format of the Finals involves 32 teams competing for the title, at venues within the host nation (or nations) over a period of about a month. The World Cup Finals is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world, with an estimated 715.1 million people watching the 2006 tournament final.

Paraguay have appeared in the finals of the World Cup on eight occasions, the first being at the very first finals in 1930, where they finished in 9th position. Their last participation in the tournament was in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals for the first time.

Overall record

FIFA World Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Group stage 9th 2 1 0 1 1 3
Italy 1934 Did not enter
France 1938
Brazil 1950 Group stage 11th 2 0 1 1 2 4
Switzerland 1954 Did not qualify
Sweden 1958 Group stage 12th 3 1 1 1 9 12
Chile 1962 Did not qualify
England 1966
Mexico 1970
West Germany 1974
Argentina 1978
Spain 1982
Mexico 1986 Round of 16 13th 4 1 2 1 4 6
Italy 1990 Did not qualify
United States 1994
France 1998 Round of 16 14th 4 1 2 1 3 2
South Korea Japan 2002 16th 4 1 1 2 6 7
Germany 2006 Group stage 18th 3 1 0 2 2 2
South Africa 2010 Quarter-finals 8th 5 1 3 1 3 2
Brazil 2014 Did not qualify
Russia 2018
Qatar 2022
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 Qualified as centenary co-host
Saudi Arabia 2034 To be determined
Total Quarter-finals 9/25 27 7 10 10 30 38
*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

By match

World Cup Round Opponent Score Result Venue Scorers
1930 Group 4  United States 0–3 L Montevideo
 Belgium 1–0 W Montevideo L. Peña
1950 Group 3  Sweden 2–2 D Curitiba A. López, C. López Fretes
 Italy 0–2 L São Paulo
1958 Group 2  France 3–7 L Norrköping F. Amarilla (2), J. Romero
 Scotland 3–2 W Norrköping J. Agüero, C. Ré, J. Parodi
 Yugoslavia 3–3 D Eskilstuna J. Parodi, J. Agüero, J. Romero
1986 Group B  Iraq 1–0 W Toluca Romerito
 Mexico 1–1 D Mexico City Romerito
 Belgium 2–2 D Toluca R. Cabañas (2)
Round of 16  England 0–3 L Mexico City
1998 Group D  Bulgaria 0–0 D Montpellier
 Spain 0–0 D Saint-Étienne
 Nigeria 3–1 W Toulouse C. Ayala, M. Benítez, J. Cardozo
Round of 16  France 0–1 (a.e.t.) L Lens
2002 Group B  South Africa 2–2 D Busan R. Santa Cruz, F. Arce
 Spain 1–3 L Jeonju C. Puyol (o.g.)
 Slovenia 3–1 W Seogwipo N. Cuevas (2), J. Campos
Round of 16  Germany 0–1 L Seogwipo
2006 Group B  England 0–1 L Frankfurt
 Sweden 0–1 L Berlin
 Trinidad and Tobago 2–0 W Kaiserslautern B. Sancho (o.g.), N. Cuevas
2010 Group F  Italy 1–1 D Cape Town A. Alcaraz
 Slovakia 2–0 W Bloemfontein E. Vera, C. Riveros
 New Zealand 0–0 D Polokwane
Round of 16  Japan 0–0 (a.e.t.)
(5–3 pen.)
D Pretoria
Quarter-finals  Spain 0–1 L Johannesburg

Record by opponent

FIFA World Cup matches (by team)
Opponent Wins Draws Losses Total Goals Scored Goals Conceded
 Belgium 1 1 0 2 3 2
 Bulgaria 0 1 0 1 0 0
 England 0 0 2 2 0 4
 France 0 0 2 2 3 8
 Germany 0 0 1 1 0 1
 Iraq 1 0 0 1 1 0
 Italy 0 1 1 2 1 3
 Japan 0 1 0 1 0 0
 Mexico 0 1 0 1 1 1
 New Zealand 0 1 0 1 0 0
 Nigeria 1 0 0 1 3 1
 Scotland 1 0 0 1 3 2
 Slovakia 1 0 0 1 2 0
 Slovenia 1 0 0 1 3 1
 South Africa 0 1 0 1 2 2
 Spain 0 1 2 3 1 4
 Sweden 0 1 1 2 2 3
 Trinidad and Tobago 1 0 0 1 2 0
 United States 0 0 1 1 0 3
 Yugoslavia 0 1 0 1 3 3

The results

Paraguay competed at three World Cups by 1958, and after a long gap they re-appeared in 1986. Later, they achieved a streak of four participations: South Africa 2010 was Paraguay's fourth consecutive trip to the World Cup final tournament, having previously qualified for the final in 1998, 2002 and 2006. After a poor qualifying campaign, however, Paraguay failed to qualify for the tournament in 2014, missing out on the chance to play in a World Cup hosted on their own continent, in Brazil. Three times they survived the first round of the international football tournament, with the highlight being in 2010 where they reached the quarter-finals.

1930 FIFA World Cup

In the first round, Paraguay debuted and lost to the United States (0–3), to then defeat Belgium (1–0) with a goal by Luis Vargas Peña. Only one team was to advance from the group stage, and the U.S. left Paraguay behind.

Pos Team
  • v
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  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  United States 2 2 0 0 6 0 +6 4 Advance to the knockout stage
2  Paraguay 2 1 0 1 1 3 −2 2
3  Belgium 2 0 0 2 0 4 −4 0
Source: ESPN
United States 3–0 Belgium
McGhee 23'
Florie 45'
Patenaude 69'
Report
Attendance: 18,346
Referee: José Macías (Argentina)
United States 3–0 Paraguay
Patenaude 10', 15', 50' Report
Attendance: 18,306
Referee: José Macías (Argentina)
Paraguay 1–0 Belgium
Vargas Peña 40' Report
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Ricardo Vallarino (Uruguay)
United States 3–0 Paraguay
Patenaude 10', 15', 50'[1] Report
Attendance: 800
Referee: José Macías (Argentina)
United States
UNITED STATES:
GK 1 Jimmy Douglas
DF 2 Alexander Wood
MF 3 Andy Auld
FW 4 Bart McGhee
FW 5 Bert Patenaude
MF 6 Billy Gonsalves
DF 7 George Moorhouse
MF 8 Jim Brown
DF 9 Jimmy Gallagher
DF 10 Raphael Tracey
FW 11 Tom Florie (c)
Manager:
Robert Millar
Paraguay
PARAGUAY:
GK 1 Modesto Denis
FW 2 Aurelio González
FW 3 Delfín Benítez Cáceres
FW 4 Diógenes Domínguez
MF 5 Eusebio Díaz
MF 6 Francisco Aguirre
DF 7 José Miracca
FW 8 Lino Nessi
FW 9 Luis Vargas Peña (c)
DF 10 Quiterio Olmedo
MF 11 Romildo Etcheverry
Manager:
Argentina José Durand Laguna

Linesmen:
Martin Aphesteguy (Uruguay)
Anibal Tejada (Uruguay)

Paraguay 1–0 Belgium
Vargas Peña 40'[2] Report
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
Attendance: 900
Referee: Ricardo Vallarino (Uruguay)
Paraguay
PARAGUAY:
GK 1 Pedro Benítez
FW 2 Aurelio González
FW 3 Delfín Benítez Cáceres
MF 4 Eusebio Díaz
FW 5 Gerardo Romero
FW 6 Lino Nessi
FW 7 Luis Vargas Peña (c)
DF 8 Quiterio Olmedo
DF 9 Salvador Flores
MF 10 Santiago Benítez
MF 11 Tranquilino Garcete
Manager:
Argentina José Durand Laguna
Belgium
BELGIUM:
GK 1 Arnold Badjou
MF 2 August Hellemans
FW 3 Ferdinand Adams
FW 4 Gérard Delbeke
DF 5 Henri De Deken
FW 6 Jacques Moeschal
FW 7 Jan Diddens
FW 8 Louis Versyp
DF 9 Nic Hoydonckx
MF 10 Pierre Braine (c)
DF 11 Theodore Nouwens
Manager:
Hector Goetinck

Linesmen:
José Macías (Argentina)
Domingo Lombardi (Uruguay)

1950 FIFA World Cup

In their return to the World Cup, Paraguay faced Sweden and Italy in Group 3. Paraguay failed to advance to the next round after a 2–2 draw against Sweden and a 2–0 loss against Italy.

Pos Team
  • v
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  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Sweden 2 1 1 0 5 4 +1 3 Advance to final round
2  Italy 2 1 0 1 4 3 +1 2
3  Paraguay 2 0 1 1 2 4 −2 1
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
Sweden 2 – 2 Paraguay
Sundqvist 17'
Palmér 26'
Report López 35'
López Fretes 74'
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: Robert Mitchell (Scotland)

Italy 2 – 0 Paraguay
Carapellese 12'
Pandolfini 62'
Report

1958 FIFA World Cup

For the 1958 World Cup, Paraguay surprisingly qualified ahead of Uruguay (beating them 5–0 in the decisive game) with a team that contained a formidable attacking lineup with stars such as Juan Bautista Agüero, José Parodi, Juan Romero, Cayetano Ré and Florencio Amarilla. In their first game in Sweden, Paraguay were 3–2 up against France in a game they lost 7–3. A 3–2 win over Scotland and a 3–3 draw with Yugoslavia saw Paraguay finish third in their group.

Pos Team
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GR Pts Qualification
1  France 3 2 0 1 11 7 1.571 4 Advance to knockout stage
2  Yugoslavia 3 1 2 0 7 6 1.167 4
3  Paraguay 3 1 1 1 9 12 0.750 3
4  Scotland 3 0 1 2 4 6 0.667 1
Source: FIFA
France 7–3 Paraguay
Fontaine 24 ', 30 ', 67'
Piantoni 52'
Wisnieski 61'
Kopa 70'
Vincent 83'
Report Amarilla 20 ', 44' (pen.)
Romero 50'
Attendance: 16,500
Referee: Gardeazabal (Spain)

Paraguay 3–2 Scotland
Agüero 4'
45'
Parodi 73'
Report Mudie 24'
Collins 74'
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Orlandini (Italy)

Paraguay 3–3 Yugoslavia
Parodi 20'
Agüero 52'
Romero 80'
Report Ognjanović 18'
Veselinović 21'
Rajkov 73'
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Macko (Czechoslovakia)

1986 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup in 1986 with a team starring Roberto Fernández in goal; Cesar Zabala, Rogelio Delgado and Juan Bautista Torales in defense; Jorge Amado Nunes and Vladimiro Schettina in midfield; midfield playmaker Julio César Romero and strikers Roberto Cabañas, Ramón Hicks and Rolando Chilavert (older brother of José Luis Chilavert). In first round matches, Paraguay defeated Iraq (1–0, goal Romerito) and then tied Mexico (1–1, goal Romerito) and Belgium (2–2, both goals Roberto Cabañas). They reached the second round where they were beaten 3–0 by England.[3]

Pos Team
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Mexico (H) 3 2 1 0 4 2 +2 5 Advance to knockout stage
2  Paraguay 3 1 2 0 4 3 +1 4
3  Belgium 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 3
4  Iraq 3 0 0 3 1 4 −3 0
Source: FIFA
(H) Hosts
Paraguay 1–0 Iraq
Romero 35' Report
Mexico 1–1 Paraguay
Flores 3' Report Romero 85'
Attendance: 114,600
Mexico
MEXICO:
GK 1 Pablo Larios
DF 2 Mario Trejo Yellow card 80'
DF 3 Fernando Quirarte
DF 14 Félix Cruz
DF 17 Raúl Servín
MF 16 Carlos Muñoz
MF 10 Tomás Boy (c) downward-facing red arrow 58'
MF 13 Javier Aguirre
FW 22 Manuel Negrete Yellow card 26'
FW 15 Luis Flores downward-facing red arrow 77'
FW 9 Hugo Sánchez Yellow card 75'
Substitutions:
MF 7 Miguel España upward-facing green arrow 58'
FW 5 Francisco Javier Cruz upward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Bora Milutinović
Paraguay
PARAGUAY:
GK 1 Roberto Fernández
DF 2 Juan Torales downward-facing red arrow 80'
DF 3 César Zabala
DF 4 Vladimiro Schettina Yellow card 30'
DF 5 Rogelio Delgado (c)
MF 6 Jorge Amado Nunes
MF 10 Adolfino Cañete
MF 8 Julio César Romero
FW 7 Buenaventura Ferreira
FW 11 Alfredo Mendoza Yellow card 5' downward-facing red arrow 62'
FW 9 Roberto Cabañas
Substitutions:
MF 16 Jorge Guasch upward-facing green arrow 62'
FW 20 Ramón Hicks upward-facing green arrow 80'
Manager:
Paraguay Cayetano Ré

Paraguay 2–2 Belgium
Cabañas 50', 76' Report Vercauteren 30'
Veyt 59'
Paraguay
PARAGUAY:
GK 1 Roberto Fernández
DF 2 Juan Torales
DF 3 César Zabala
DF 5 Rogelio Delgado (c)
MF 16 Jorge Guasch
MF 6 Jorge Amado Nunes
MF 10 Adolfino Cañete
MF 8 Julio César Romero Yellow card 55'
FW 7 Buenaventura Ferreira
FW 11 Alfredo Mendoza downward-facing red arrow 68'
FW 9 Roberto Cabañas
Substitutions:
FW 20 Ramón Hicks upward-facing green arrow 68'
Manager:
Paraguay Cayetano Ré
Belgium
BELGIUM:
GK 1 Jean-Marie Pfaff
DF 5 Michel Renquin
DF 19 Hugo Broos
DF 13 Georges Grün downward-facing red arrow 89'
MF 21 Stéphane Demol
MF 6 Franky Vercauteren
MF 22 Patrick Vervoort
MF 8 Enzo Scifo
MF 11 Jan Ceulemans (c) Yellow card 55'
FW 16 Nico Claesen
FW 18 Daniel Veyt
Substitutions:
DF 3 Franky Van Der Elst upward-facing green arrow 89'
Manager:
Belgium Guy Thys

England 3 – 0 Paraguay
Lineker 31', 73'
Beardsley 56'
Report
Attendance: 98,728
England
ENGLAND:
GK 1 Peter Shilton (c)
DF 2 Gary M. Stevens
DF 3 Kenny Sansom
DF 5 Alvin Martin Yellow card 37'
DF 6 Terry Butcher
MF 16 Peter Reid downward-facing red arrow 58'
MF 4 Glenn Hoddle
MF 17 Trevor Steven
MF 18 Steve Hodge Yellow card 67'
FW 20 Peter Beardsley downward-facing red arrow 80'
FW 10 Gary Lineker
Substitutions:
DF 15 Gary A. Stevens upward-facing green arrow 58'
FW 9 Mark Hateley upward-facing green arrow 80'
Manager:
England Bobby Robson
Paraguay
PARAGUAY:
GK 1 Roberto Fernández
DF 2 Juan Torales downward-facing red arrow 64'
DF 3 César Zabala
DF 4 Vladimiro Schettina
DF 5 Rogelio Delgado (c)
MF 6 Jorge Amado Nunes Yellow card 60'
MF 10 Adolfino Cañete
MF 8 Julio César Romero
FW 7 Buenaventura Ferreira
FW 11 Alfredo Mendoza
FW 9 Roberto Cabañas
Substitutions:
MF 16 Jorge Guasch upward-facing green arrow 64'
Manager:
Paraguay Cayetano Ré

1998 FIFA World Cup

A new generation of players helped end the World Cup drought in grand fashion, as the Albirroja reached the 1998 World Cup in France by qualifying in second place in South America, behind Argentina. The first round matches were against Bulgaria (0–0), Spain (0–0), and Nigeria (3–1; goals Celso Ayala, Miguel Ángel Benítez and José Cardozo). Paraguay qualified to the second round (round of 16) to be defeated in a thrilling match against hosts and eventual World Champions France. France only scored through Laurent Blanc in the 114th minute, during the second half of overtime (making it the first golden goal scored in a World Cup). Paraguay's central defending duo (Carlos Gamarra and Celso Ayala) and goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert were selected for the all-star World Cup team.

Pos Team
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Nigeria 3 2 0 1 5 5 0 6 Advance to knockout stage
2  Paraguay 3 1 2 0 3 1 +2 5
3  Spain 3 1 1 1 8 4 +4 4
4  Bulgaria 3 0 1 2 1 7 −6 1
Source: FIFA
Paraguay 0–0 Bulgaria
Report
Paraguay
Bulgaria

GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c)
DF 4 Carlos Gamarra
DF 5 Celso Ayala
FW 9 José Cardozo downward-facing red arrow 70'
MF 10 Roberto Acuña
DF 11 Pedro Sarabia
MF 13 Carlos Paredes
FW 15 Miguel Benítez Yellow card 45'
MF 16 Julio Cesar Enciso
MF 19 Carlos Morales downward-facing red arrow 43'
MF 21 Jorge Campos downward-facing red arrow 78'
Substitutions:
DF 20 Denis Caniza upward-facing green arrow 43'
FW 18 César Ramírez upward-facing green arrow 70'
MF 7 Julio César Yegros upward-facing green arrow 78'
Manager:
Brazil Paulo César Carpegiani
GK 1 Zdravko Zdravkov
DF 2 Radostin Kishishev
DF 3 Trifon Ivanov (c) Yellow card 73'
DF 4 Ivaylo Petkov
MF 5 Ivaylo Yordanov
MF 6 Zlatko Yankov
FW 8 Hristo Stoichkov Yellow card 45'
FW 9 Luboslav Penev downward-facing red arrow 68'
MF 10 Krassimir Balakov
MF 11 Ilian Iliev downward-facing red arrow 77'
MF 16 Anatoli Nankov Yellow card 27' Yellow-red card 89'
Substitutions:
FW 7 Emil Kostadinov upward-facing green arrow 68'
MF 18 Daniel Borimirov upward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Hristo Bonev

Assistant referees:
Achmat Salie (South Africa)
Hussain Ghadanfari (Kuwait)
Fourth official:
Nikolai Levnikov (Russia)

Spain 0–0 Paraguay
Report
Attendance: 30,600
Referee: Ian McLeod (South Africa)
Spain
Paraguay

GK 1 Andoni Zubizarreta (c)
RB 15 Juan Carlos Aguilera
CB 5 Abelardo downward-facing red arrow 56'
CB 4 Rafael Alkorta
LB 12 Sergi Yellow card 8'
RM 17 Joseba Etxeberria
CM 6 Fernando Hierro
CM 18 Guillermo Amor
LM 21 Luis Enrique
CF 9 Juan Antonio Pizzi downward-facing red arrow 52'
CF 10 Raúl downward-facing red arrow 65'
Substitutions:
FW 7 Fernando Morientes upward-facing green arrow 52'
MF 16 Albert Celades upward-facing green arrow 56'
FW 19 Kiko Yellow card 87' upward-facing green arrow 65'
Manager:
Javier Clemente
GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c)
DF 2 Francisco Arce Yellow card 76'
DF 4 Carlos Gamarra
DF 5 Celso Ayala Yellow card 30' downward-facing red arrow 73'
FW 8 Arístides Rojas downward-facing red arrow 83'
MF 10 Roberto Acuña
DF 11 Pedro Sarabia
FW 15 Miguel Benítez
MF 16 Julio César Enciso Yellow card 45'
DF 20 Denis Caniza
MF 21 Jorge Campos downward-facing red arrow 45'
Substitutions:
MF 13 Carlos Paredes upward-facing green arrow 45'
MF 7 Julio César Yegros upward-facing green arrow 73'
FW 18 César Ramírez upward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
Brazil Paulo César Carpegiani

Assistant referees:
Aristidis Chris Soldatos (South Africa)
Owen Powell (Jamaica)
Fourth official:
Esse Baharmast (United States)

Nigeria 1–3 Paraguay
Oruma 10' Report Ayala 1'
Benítez 58'
Cardozo 86'
Nigeria
Paraguay

GK 1 Peter Rufai (c)
FW 4 Nwankwo Kanu
DF 6 Taribo West
FW 9 Rasheed Yekini
MF 11 Garba Lawal
MF 13 Tijani Babangida
MF 15 Sunday Oliseh downward-facing red arrow 45'
DF 16 Uche Okafor
DF 17 Augustine Eguavoen Yellow card 25'
MF 18 Wilson Oruma downward-facing red arrow 68'
DF 19 Ben Iroha Yellow card 38'
Substitutions:
DF 21 Godwin Okpara upward-facing green arrow 45'
MF 7 Finidi George upward-facing green arrow 68'
Manager:
Serbia and Montenegro Bora Milutinović
GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c)
DF 2 Francisco Arce
DF 4 Carlos Gamarra
DF 5 Celso Ayala
FW 9 José Cardozo
DF 11 Pedro Sarabia
MF 13 Carlos Paredes
FW 15 Miguel Benítez downward-facing red arrow 67'
MF 16 Julio César Enciso
FW 17 Hugo Brizuela downward-facing red arrow 77'
DF 20 Denis Caniza downward-facing red arrow 55'
Substitutions:
MF 7 Julio César Yegros upward-facing green arrow 55'
MF 10 Roberto Acuña upward-facing green arrow 67'
FW 8 Aristides Rojas upward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Brazil Paulo César Carpegiani

Assistant referees:
Mohamed Al Musawi (Oman)
Mikael Milsson (Sweden)
Fourth official:
Masayoshi Okada (Japan)

France 1 – 0
(a.e.t.)
 Paraguay
Blanc gold-colored soccer ball 113' Report
France
Paraguay

GK 16 Fabien Barthez
RB 15 Lilian Thuram
CB 5 Laurent Blanc
CB 8 Marcel Desailly
LB 3 Bixente Lizarazu
CM 7 Didier Deschamps (c)
CM 17 Emmanuel Petit downward-facing red arrow 69'
RW 13 Bernard Diomède downward-facing red arrow 76'
LW 6 Youri Djorkaeff
CF 20 David Trezeguet
CF 12 Thierry Henry downward-facing red arrow 64'
Substitutes:
MF 11 Robert Pires upward-facing green arrow 64'
MF 14 Alain Boghossian upward-facing green arrow 69'
FW 9 Stéphane Guivarc'h upward-facing green arrow 76'
Manager:
Aimé Jacquet
GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c) Yellow card 19'
RB 2 Francisco Arce Yellow card 84'
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra
CB 5 Celso Ayala
LB 11 Pedro Sarabia
CM 10 Roberto Acuña
CM 16 Julio César Enciso Yellow card 32'
CM 13 Carlos Humberto Paredes downward-facing red arrow 74'
AM 21 Jorge Luis Campos downward-facing red arrow 55'
AM 15 Miguel Ángel Benítez Yellow card 23'
CF 9 José Cardozo downward-facing red arrow 91'
Substitutes:
MF 7 Julio César Yegros upward-facing green arrow 55'
DF 20 Denis Caniza upward-facing green arrow 74'
MF 8 Aristides Rojas upward-facing green arrow 91'
Manager:
Brazil Paulo César Carpegiani

Assistant referees:
Nimal Wickeramatunge (Sri Lanka)
Lencie Fred (Vanuatu)
Fourth official:
Esse Baharmast (United States)

2002 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay returned to the world's greatest stage once more in the 2002 World Cup. In their first match, Paraguay tied South Africa 2–2 (goals: Roque Santa Cruz and Francisco Arce). Paraguay lost to Spain in the second game (1–3) and finally defeated Slovenia (3–1; goals Nelson Cuevas, twice, and Jorge Luis Campos) to qualify for the second round. Germany ended Paraguay's dreams in the World Cup with an 88-minute goal.

Pos Team
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Spain 3 3 0 0 9 4 +5 9 Advance to knockout stage
2  Paraguay 3 1 1 1 6 6 0 4
3  South Africa 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 4
4  Slovenia 3 0 0 3 2 7 −5 0
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

All times local (UTC+9)

Paraguay 2–2 South Africa
Santa Cruz 39'
Arce 55'
Report Mokoena 63'
Fortune 90+1' (pen.)
Paraguay
South Africa

GK 22 Ricardo Tavarelli Yellow card 90'
CB 18 Julio César Cáceres Yellow card 35'
CB 5 Celso Ayala
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra (c)
RWB 2 Francisco Arce
LWB 21 Denis Caniza Yellow card 65'
CM 10 Roberto Miguel Acuña
CM 6 Estanislao Struway downward-facing red arrow 86'
CM 8 Guido Alvarenga downward-facing red arrow 66'
AM 11 Jorge Campos downward-facing red arrow 73'
CF 9 Roque Santa Cruz
Substitutions:
MF 14 Diego Gavilán upward-facing green arrow 66'
MF 16 Gustavo Morínigo upward-facing green arrow 73'
DF 17 Juan Carlos Franco Yellow card 90+3' upward-facing green arrow 86'
Manager:
Italy Cesare Maldini
GK 16 Andre Arendse
RB 4 Aaron Mokoena Yellow card 3'
CB 13 Pierre Issa Yellow card 9' downward-facing red arrow 27'
CB 19 Lucas Radebe (c)
LB 3 Bradley Carnell
RM 2 Cyril Nzama
CM 12 Teboho Mokoena
CM 6 MacBeth Sibaya
LM 7 Quinton Fortune
CF 17 Benni McCarthy Yellow card 38' downward-facing red arrow 78'
CF 15 Sibusiso Zuma Yellow card 45+2'
Substitutions:
MF 9 MacDonald Mukasi upward-facing green arrow 27'
FW 23 George Koumantarakis upward-facing green arrow 78'
Manager:
Jomo Sono

Man of the Match:
Francisco Arce (Paraguay)

Assistant referees:
Igor Šramka (Slovakia)
Curtis Charles (Antigua and Barbuda)
Fourth official:
Hugh Dallas (Scotland)

Spain 3–1 Paraguay
Morientes 53', 69'
Hierro 83' (pen.)
Report Puyol 10' (o.g.)
Spain
Paraguay

GK 1 Iker Casillas
RB 5 Carles Puyol
CB 6 Fernando Hierro (c)
CB 20 Miguel Ángel Nadal
LB 3 Juanfran
RM 21 Luis Enrique downward-facing red arrow 46'
CM 8 Rubén Baraja Yellow card 9'
CM 17 Juan Carlos Valerón downward-facing red arrow 85'
LM 11 Javier de Pedro
CF 7 Raúl
CF 10 Diego Tristán downward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
MF 4 Iván Helguera upward-facing green arrow 46'
FW 9 Fernando Morientes upward-facing green arrow 46'
MF 19 Xavi upward-facing green arrow 85'
Manager:
José Antonio Camacho
GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c)
CB 18 Julio César Cáceres
CB 5 Celso Ayala
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra
RWB 2 Francisco Arce Yellow card 44'
LWB 21 Denis Caniza downward-facing red arrow 78'
CM 14 Diego Gavilán Yellow card 60'
CM 10 Roberto Acuña
CM 13 Carlos Paredes
CF 9 Roque Santa Cruz Yellow card 80'
CF 20 José Cardozo downward-facing red arrow 63'
Substitutions:
FW 11 Jorge Campos upward-facing green arrow 63'
MF 6 Estanislao Struway upward-facing green arrow 78'
Manager:
Italy Cesare Maldini

Man of the Match:
Fernando Morientes (Spain)

Assistant referees:
Wagih Farag (Egypt)
Brighton Mudzamiri (Zimbabwe)
Fourth official:
Mohamed Guezzaz (Morocco)

Slovenia 1–3 Paraguay
Ačimovič 45+1' Report Cuevas 65', 84'
Campos 73'
Attendance: 30,176
Referee: Felipe Ramos (Mexico)
Slovenia
Paraguay

GK 12 Mladen Dabanovič
CB 22 Spasoje Bulajič
CB 3 Željko Milinovič Yellow card 79'
CB 15 Rajko Tavčar
RM 7 Đoni Novak
CM 8 Aleš Čeh (c)
CM 11 Miran Pavlin Yellow card 15' downward-facing red arrow 40'
LM 19 Amir Karić Yellow card 68'
AM 18 Milenko Ačimovič downward-facing red arrow 62'
CF 21 Sebastjan Cimirotič
CF 9 Milan Osterc downward-facing red arrow 77'
Substitutions:
FW 13 Mladen Rudonja Yellow card 69' upward-facing green arrow 40'
MF 20 Nastja Čeh Red card 81' upward-facing green arrow 62'
FW 16 Senad Tiganj upward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Danilo Popivoda
GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c)
CB 18 Julio César Cáceres
CB 5 Celso Ayala
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra
RWB 2 Francisco Arce
LWB 21 Denis Caniza
CM 13 Carlos Paredes Yellow card 4' Yellow-red card 22'
CM 10 Roberto Acuña
CM 8 Guido Alvarenga downward-facing red arrow 53'
CF 20 José Cardozo downward-facing red arrow 61'
CF 9 Roque Santa Cruz
Substitutions:
MF 11 Jorge Campos upward-facing green arrow 53'
FW 23 Nelson Cuevas upward-facing green arrow 61' downward-facing red arrow 92'
MF 17 Juan Carlos Franco upward-facing green arrow 92'
Manager:
Italy Cesare Maldini

Man of the Match:
Nelson Cuevas (Paraguay)

Assistant referees:
Leif Lindberg (Sweden)
Visva Krishnan (Singapore)
Fourth official:
Kim Young-joo (South Korea)

Germany 1–0 Paraguay
Neuville 88' Report
Germany
Paraguay

GK 1 Oliver Kahn (c)
RB 22 Torsten Frings
CB 3 Marko Rehmer downward-facing red arrow 46'
CB 2 Thomas Linke
LB 21 Christoph Metzelder downward-facing red arrow 60'
RM 19 Bernd Schneider Yellow card 35'
CM 16 Jens Jeremies
CM 13 Michael Ballack Yellow card 90+2'
LM 17 Marco Bode
CF 7 Oliver Neuville downward-facing red arrow 90+2'
CF 11 Miroslav Klose
Substitutions:
MF 15 Sebastian Kehl upward-facing green arrow 46'
DF 4 Frank Baumann Yellow card 71' upward-facing green arrow 60'
FW 14 Gerald Asamoah upward-facing green arrow 90+2'
Manager:
Rudi Völler
GK 1 José Luis Chilavert (c)
RB 2 Francisco Arce
CB 18 Julio César Cáceres
CB 5 Celso Ayala
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra
LB 21 Denis Caniza
CM 15 Carlos Bonet downward-facing red arrow 84'
CM 10 Roberto Acuña Yellow card 26' Red card 90+2'
CM 6 Estanislao Struway downward-facing red arrow 90+1'
CF 20 José Cardozo Yellow card 50'
CF 9 Roque Santa Cruz downward-facing red arrow 29'
Substitutions:
FW 11 Jorge Campos upward-facing green arrow 29'
MF 14 Diego Gavilán upward-facing green arrow 84'
FW 23 Nelson Cuevas upward-facing green arrow 90+1'
Manager:
Italy Cesare Maldini

Man of the Match:
Jens Jeremies (Germany)

Assistant referees:
Curtis Charles (Antigua and Barbuda)
Dramane Dante (Mali)
Fourth official:
Hugh Dallas (Scotland)

2006 FIFA World Cup

In 2006, Paraguay qualified for its third World Cup in a row. This time, two early defeats against England and Sweden (both 0–1) sent the team home early. The only consolation was defeating Trinidad and Tobago during the last and final group game by 2–0.

Pos Team
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  England 3 2 1 0 5 2 +3 7 Advance to knockout stage
2  Sweden 3 1 2 0 3 2 +1 5
3  Paraguay 3 1 0 2 2 2 0 3
4  Trinidad and Tobago 3 0 1 2 0 4 −4 1
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

All times local (CEST/UTC+2)

England 1–0 Paraguay
Gamarra 3' (o.g.) Report
England
Paraguay

GK 1 Paul Robinson
RB 2 Gary Neville
CB 5 Rio Ferdinand
CB 6 John Terry
LB 3 Ashley Cole
DM 4 Steven Gerrard Yellow card 19'
RM 7 David Beckham (c)
LM 11 Joe Cole downward-facing red arrow 83'
AM 8 Frank Lampard
CF 10 Michael Owen downward-facing red arrow 56'
CF 21 Peter Crouch Yellow card 63'
Substitutions:
MF 20 Stewart Downing upward-facing green arrow 56'
MF 16 Owen Hargreaves upward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
Sweden Sven-Göran Eriksson
GK 1 Justo Villar downward-facing red arrow 8'
RB 21 Denis Caniza
CB 5 Julio César Cáceres
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra (c)
LB 3 Delio Toledo downward-facing red arrow 82'
RM 6 Carlos Bonet downward-facing red arrow 68'
CM 13 Carlos Humberto Paredes
CM 10 Roberto Miguel Acuña
LM 16 Cristian Riveros
CF 9 Roque Santa Cruz
CF 18 Nelson Valdez Yellow card 22'
Substitutions:
GK 22 Aldo Bobadilla upward-facing green arrow 8'
FW 23 Nelson Cuevas upward-facing green arrow 68'
DF 2 Jorge Núñez upward-facing green arrow 82'
Manager:
Uruguay Aníbal Ruiz

Wikinews has related news:
  • England wins first match with 1-0 victory in Group B

Man of the Match:
Frank Lampard (England)

Assistant referees:
José Luis Camargo (Mexico)
Leonel Leal (Costa Rica)
Fourth official:
Coffi Codjia (Benin)
Fifth official:
Celestin Ntagungira (Rwanda)

Sweden 1–0 Paraguay
Ljungberg 89' Report
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Attendance: 72,000
Sweden
Paraguay

GK 1 Andreas Isaksson
RB 7 Niclas Alexandersson
CB 3 Olof Mellberg (c)
CB 4 Teddy Lučić Yellow card 48'
LB 5 Erik Edman
DM 6 Tobias Linderoth Yellow card 14'
RM 21 Christian Wilhelmsson downward-facing red arrow 68'
LM 9 Freddie Ljungberg
AM 16 Kim Källström downward-facing red arrow 86'
CF 10 Zlatan Ibrahimović downward-facing red arrow 46'
CF 11 Henrik Larsson
Substitutions:
FW 20 Marcus Allbäck Yellow card 60' upward-facing green arrow 46'
FW 18 Mattias Jonson upward-facing green arrow 68'
FW 17 Johan Elmander upward-facing green arrow 86'
Manager:
Lars Lagerbäck
GK 22 Aldo Bobadilla
RB 2 Jorge Núñez Yellow card 54'
CB 5 Julio César Cáceres
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra (c)
LB 21 Denis Caniza Yellow card 3'
RM 6 Carlos Bonet downward-facing red arrow 81'
CM 10 Roberto Miguel Acuña Yellow card 51'
CM 13 Carlos Humberto Paredes Yellow card 74'
LM 16 Cristian Riveros downward-facing red arrow 62'
SS 9 Roque Santa Cruz downward-facing red arrow 63'
CF 18 Nelson Valdez
Substitutions:
MF 19 Julio dos Santos upward-facing green arrow 62'
FW 20 Dante López upward-facing green arrow 63'
MF 8 Édgar Barreto Yellow card 85' upward-facing green arrow 81'
Manager:
Uruguay Aníbal Ruiz

Wikinews has related news:
  • Sweden stun Paraguay two minutes from time in Group B

Man of the Match:
Freddie Ljungberg (Sweden)

Assistant referees:
Roman Slysko (Slovakia)
Martin Balko (Slovakia)
Fourth official:
Jerome Damon (South Africa)
Fifth official:
Enock Molefe (South Africa)

Paraguay 2–0 Trinidad and Tobago
Sancho 25' (o.g.)
Cuevas 86'
Report
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago

GK 22 Aldo Bobadilla
RB 21 Denis Caniza downward-facing red arrow 89'
CB 5 Julio César Cáceres downward-facing red arrow 77'
CB 4 Carlos Gamarra (c)
LB 2 Jorge Núñez
DM 10 Roberto Miguel Acuña
RM 19 Julio dos Santos Yellow card 54'
LM 8 Edgar Barreto
AM 13 Carlos Humberto Paredes Yellow card 30'
CF 9 Roque Santa Cruz
CF 18 Nelson Valdez downward-facing red arrow 66'
Substitutions:
FW 23 Nelson Cuevas upward-facing green arrow 66'
DF 15 Julio Manzur upward-facing green arrow 77'
DF 14 Paulo da Silva upward-facing green arrow 89'
Manager:
Uruguay Aníbal Ruiz
GK 21 Kelvin Jack
RB 11 Carlos Edwards
CB 5 Brent Sancho Yellow card 45'
CB 6 Dennis Lawrence
LB 3 Avery John downward-facing red arrow 31'
RM 7 Chris Birchall
CM 19 Dwight Yorke (c)
CM 9 Aurtis Whitley Yellow card 48' downward-facing red arrow 67'
LM 18 Densill Theobald
CF 14 Stern John
CF 13 Cornell Glen downward-facing red arrow 41'
Substitutions:
DF 15 Kenwyne Jones upward-facing green arrow 31'
MF 16 Evans Wise upward-facing green arrow 41'
MF 10 Russell Latapy upward-facing green arrow 67'
Manager:
Netherlands Leo Beenhakker

Wikinews has related news:
  • Paraguay beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in Group B

Man of the Match:
Julio dos Santos (Paraguay)

Assistant referees:
Cristiano Copelli (Italy)
Alessandro Stagnelli (Italy)
Fourth official:
Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)
Fifth official:
Peter Hermans (Belgium)

2010 FIFA World Cup

In their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, Paraguay eventually reached the quarter-finals. Drawn into Group F along with defending champions Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand, they opened their tournament with a draw against the Italians, in a game where they took the lead thanks to a first-half goal from Antolín Alcaraz but ultimately finished 1-1. In their second match, they beat Slovakia 2–0 with goals from Enrique Vera and Christian Riveros. Their final group match saw a goalless draw with New Zealand, clinching first place in Group F and setting up a date with Japan. Another goalless draw with the Japanese after 120 minutes went to penalties, which Paraguay won 5–3, advancing them for the first time in their history to the World Cup round of eight. In the quarter-finals, they met powerhouses Spain, to whom they lost 1–0 in a game where a goal by Nelson Valdez was controversially called an offside by the referee. The game also featured each team being awarded a penalty, both of which were contained, first by Spain's Iker Casillas and then Paraguay's Justo Villar (both were also team captains for the game).

The Albirroja arrived back from South Africa on Monday, July 5 at 3:30 AM. Upon arrival, they were greeted by over 3,000 fans at the airport and were decorated by the President of Paraguay. Gerardo Martino announced that he would take some time to decide his future, although the Paraguayan Football Association has offered him a four-year contract to continue at the helm. Roque Santa Cruz also announced that this would be his last World Cup, but that he may play one more tournament, the Copa América in Argentina in 2011, which he ended up playing in.

Pos Team
  • v
  • t
  • e
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Paraguay 3 1 2 0 3 1 +2 5 Advance to knockout stage
2  Slovakia 3 1 1 1 4 5 −1 4
3  New Zealand 3 0 3 0 2 2 0 3
4  Italy 3 0 2 1 4 5 −1 2
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

All times local (UTC+02)

Italy 1–1 Paraguay
De Rossi 63' Report Alcaraz 39'
Italy[5]
Paraguay[5]

GK 1 Gianluigi Buffon downward-facing red arrow 46'
RB 19 Gianluca Zambrotta
CB 5 Fabio Cannavaro (c)
CB 4 Giorgio Chiellini
LB 3 Domenico Criscito
CM 6 Daniele De Rossi
CM 22 Riccardo Montolivo
AM 15 Claudio Marchisio downward-facing red arrow 59'
RW 7 Simone Pepe
LW 9 Vincenzo Iaquinta
CF 11 Alberto Gilardino downward-facing red arrow 72'
Substitutions:
GK 12 Federico Marchetti upward-facing green arrow 46'
MF 16 Mauro Camoranesi Yellow card 70' upward-facing green arrow 59'
FW 10 Antonio Di Natale upward-facing green arrow 72'
Manager:
Marcello Lippi

GK 1 Justo Villar (c)
RB 6 Carlos Bonet
CB 21 Antolín Alcaraz
CB 14 Paulo da Silva
LB 3 Claudio Morel
DM 15 Víctor Cáceres Yellow card 62'
RM 13 Enrique Vera
CM 16 Cristian Riveros
LM 17 Aureliano Torres downward-facing red arrow 60'
SS 18 Nelson Valdez downward-facing red arrow 68'
CF 19 Lucas Barrios downward-facing red arrow 76'
Substitutions:
MF 11 Jonathan Santana upward-facing green arrow 60'
FW 9 Roque Santa Cruz upward-facing green arrow 68'
FW 7 Óscar Cardozo upward-facing green arrow 76'
Manager:
Gerardo Martino

Italy vs Paraguay

Man of the Match:
Antolín Alcaraz (Paraguay)

Assistant referees:
Héctor Vergara (Canada)[4]
Marvin Torrentera (Mexico)[4]
Fourth official:
Joel Aguilar (El Salvador)[4]
Fifth official:
Juan Zumba (El Salvador)[4]

Slovakia 0–2 Paraguay
Report Vera 27'
Riveros 86'
Slovakia[6]
Paraguay[6]

GK 1 Ján Mucha
RB 2 Peter Pekarík
CB 3 Martin Škrtel
CB 21 Kornel Saláta downward-facing red arrow 83'
LB 16 Ján Ďurica Yellow card 42'
DM 6 Zdeno Štrba
CM 17 Marek Hamšík (c)
RW 9 Stanislav Šesták Yellow card 47' downward-facing red arrow 70'
LW 7 Vladimír Weiss Yellow card 84'
SS 8 Ján Kozák
CF 11 Róbert Vittek
Substitutions:
FW 13 Filip Hološko upward-facing green arrow 70'
MF 15 Miroslav Stoch upward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
Vladimír Weiss

GK 1 Justo Villar (c)
RB 6 Carlos Bonet
CB 14 Paulo da Silva
CB 21 Antolín Alcaraz
LB 3 Claudio Morel
DM 15 Víctor Cáceres
CM 13 Enrique Vera Yellow card 45' downward-facing red arrow 88'
CM 16 Cristian Riveros
AM 18 Nelson Valdez downward-facing red arrow 68'
SS 9 Roque Santa Cruz
CF 19 Lucas Barrios downward-facing red arrow 82'
Substitutions:
DF 17 Aureliano Torres upward-facing green arrow 68'
FW 7 Óscar Cardozo upward-facing green arrow 82'
MF 8 Édgar Barreto upward-facing green arrow 88'
Manager:
Gerardo Martino

Man of the Match:
Enrique Vera (Paraguay)

Assistant referees:
Evarist Menkouande (Cameroon)[4]
Bechir Hassani (Tunisia)[4]
Fourth official:
Joel Aguilar (El Salvador)[4]
Fifth official:
Juan Zumba (El Salvador)[4]

Paraguay 0–0 New Zealand
Report
Paraguay[7]
New Zealand[7]

GK 1 Justo Villar
RB 4 Denis Caniza (c)
CB 5 Julio Cáceres
CB 14 Paulo da Silva
LB 3 Claudio Morel
DM 15 Víctor Cáceres Yellow card 10'
CM 16 Cristian Riveros
CM 13 Enrique Vera
AM 9 Roque Santa Cruz Yellow card 41'
AM 18 Nelson Valdez downward-facing red arrow 67'
CF 7 Óscar Cardozo downward-facing red arrow 66'
Substitutions:
FW 19 Lucas Barrios upward-facing green arrow 66'
FW 10 Édgar Benítez upward-facing green arrow 67'
Manager:
Gerardo Martino

GK 1 Mark Paston
RB 4 Winston Reid
CB 6 Ryan Nelsen (c) Yellow card 56'
LB 19 Tommy Smith
CM 7 Simon Elliott
CM 5 Ivan Vicelich
RM 11 Leo Bertos
LM 3 Tony Lochhead
AM 10 Chris Killen downward-facing red arrow 79'
AM 9 Shane Smeltz
CF 14 Rory Fallon downward-facing red arrow 69'
Substitutions:
FW 20 Chris Wood upward-facing green arrow 69'
MF 22 Jeremy Brockie upward-facing green arrow 79'
Manager:
Ricki Herbert

Man of the Match:
Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay)

Assistant referees:
Toru Sagara (Japan)[4]
Jeong Hae-sang (South Korea)[4]
Fourth official:
Koman Coulibaly (Mali)[4]
Fifth official:
Inacio Manuel Candido (Angola)[4]

Paraguay and Japan met at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 29 June 2010. The match was decided by a penalty shootout after the score was locked at 0–0 for 120 minutes. Paraguay won the shootout and progressed to its first ever World Cup quarter-final.[8] The match was a generally unexciting affair, as Japan adopted a defensive posture while Paraguay itself maintained a solid defence. The first half produced the occasional chance on goal with Lucas Barrios having a shot saved shortly before a long-distance shot from Daisuke Matsui hit the crossbar of Paraguay's goal. The second half was similar, with either side producing occasional chances to score rather than periods of dominance. The result of the deadlock was extra time, which continued goalless. A penalty shootout ensued, in which Yūichi Komano missed a spot kick for Japan. Paraguay scored all five of its penalties, clinching the win and passage to the quarter-finals.[9] After the match, Japan head coach Takeshi Okada resigned and Shunsuke Nakamura retired from international football.[10]

Paraguay 0–0 (a.e.t.) Japan
Report
Penalties
Barreto soccer ball with check mark
Barrios soccer ball with check mark
Riveros soccer ball with check mark
Valdez soccer ball with check mark
Cardozo soccer ball with check mark
5–3 soccer ball with check mark Endō
soccer ball with check mark Hasebe
soccer ball with red X Komano
soccer ball with check mark Honda
Paraguay[11]
Japan[11]

GK 1 Justo Villar (c)
RB 6 Carlos Bonet
CB 14 Paulo da Silva
CB 21 Antolín Alcaraz
LB 3 Claudio Morel
DM 20 Néstor Ortigoza downward-facing red arrow 75'
CM 13 Enrique Vera
CM 16 Cristian Riveros Yellow card 118'
RW 9 Roque Santa Cruz downward-facing red arrow 94'
LW 10 Édgar Benítez downward-facing red arrow 60'
CF 19 Lucas Barrios
Substitutions:
FW 18 Nelson Valdez upward-facing green arrow 60'
MF 8 Édgar Barreto upward-facing green arrow 75'
FW 7 Óscar Cardozo upward-facing green arrow 94'
Manager:
Argentina Gerardo Martino

GK 21 Eiji Kawashima
RB 3 Yūichi Komano
CB 22 Yuji Nakazawa
CB 4 Marcus Tulio Tanaka
LB 5 Yuto Nagatomo Yellow card 72'
DM 2 Yuki Abe downward-facing red arrow 81'
CM 17 Makoto Hasebe (c)
CM 7 Yasuhito Endō Yellow card 113'
RW 8 Daisuke Matsui Yellow card 58' downward-facing red arrow 65'
LW 16 Yoshito Ōkubo downward-facing red arrow 106'
CF 18 Keisuke Honda Yellow card 90+3'
Substitutions:
FW 9 Shinji Okazaki upward-facing green arrow 65'
MF 14 Kengo Nakamura upward-facing green arrow 81'
FW 11 Keiji Tamada upward-facing green arrow 106'
Manager:
Takeshi Okada

Man of the Match:
Keisuke Honda (Japan)

Assistant referees:
Peter Hermans (Belgium)
Walter Vromans (Belgium)
Fourth official:
Peter O'Leary (New Zealand)
Fifth official:
Matthew Taro (Solomon Islands)

On 3 July 2010, Spain defeated Paraguay 1–0 to secure entry to the semi-finals where they would meet Germany. It was the first time that Spain had progressed to the semi-final of a World Cup since 1950; while for the defeated Paraguay, the quarter-final appearance was also the country's best ever performance.[12]

The first half of the match finished goalless, although both sides had chances to score and Paraguay's Nelson Valdez had a goal ruled out as offside. The match suddenly became eventful in the second half due to a string of penalty kicks. First, Óscar Cardozo was pulled down by Gerard Piqué in Spain's penalty area and Paraguay was awarded a penalty. Cardozo took the penalty himself but it was saved by Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Spain soon after launched an attack at the other end of the field, in which David Villa was ruled by the referee to have been brought down by Antolín Alcaraz. Xabi Alonso stepped up to take the penalty kick and seemed to have scored, only for the referee to order it be retaken because of encroachment by a Spanish player into the penalty area before the kick was taken. Xabi Alonso's retake was saved by Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar. As a result, the score remained 0–0 after the three penalty kicks. Spain, however, ultimately managed to take the lead in the 82nd minute: David Villa collected a rebounded shot off the post from Pedro, to score himself off the post. The goal turned out to be the winner for Spain.[12] After the match, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque conceded that his side were not playing at their best and were starved of possession. He also noted his view that Spain's next opponents Germany were the best team at the World Cup.[13] Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino stated he would be leaving his position at the end of his contract.[14]

Paraguay 0–1 Spain
Report Villa 83'
Paraguay[15]
Spain[15]

GK 1 Justo Villar (c)
RB 2 Darío Verón
CB 14 Paulo da Silva
CB 21 Antolín Alcaraz Yellow card 59'
LB 3 Claudio Morel Yellow card 71'
DM 15 Víctor Cáceres Yellow card 59' downward-facing red arrow 84'
RM 11 Jonathan Santana Yellow card 88'
CM 8 Édgar Barreto downward-facing red arrow 64'
LM 16 Cristian Riveros
SS 18 Nelson Valdez downward-facing red arrow 72'
CF 7 Óscar Cardozo
Substitutions:
MF 13 Enrique Vera upward-facing green arrow 64'
FW 9 Roque Santa Cruz upward-facing green arrow 72'
FW 19 Lucas Barrios upward-facing green arrow 84'
Manager:
Argentina Gerardo Martino

GK 1 Iker Casillas (c)
RB 15 Sergio Ramos
CB 3 Gerard Piqué Yellow card 57'
CB 5 Carles Puyol downward-facing red arrow 84'
LB 11 Joan Capdevila
DM 16 Sergio Busquets Yellow card 63'
RM 6 Andrés Iniesta
CM 8 Xavi
LM 14 Xabi Alonso downward-facing red arrow 75'
SS 7 David Villa
CF 9 Fernando Torres downward-facing red arrow 56'
Substitutions:
MF 10 Cesc Fàbregas upward-facing green arrow 56'
FW 18 Pedro upward-facing green arrow 75'
DF 4 Carlos Marchena upward-facing green arrow 84'
Manager:
Vicente del Bosque

Man of the Match:
Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Assistant referees:
Leonel Leal (Costa Rica)
Carlos Pastrana (Honduras)
Fourth official:
Benito Archundia (Mexico)
Fifth official:
Héctor Vergara (Canada)

Record players

Rank Player Matches World Cups
1 Denis Caniza 12 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010
Roque Santa Cruz 12 2002, 2006 and 2010
3 Roberto Acuña 11 1998, 2002 and 2006
Carlos Gamarra 11 1998, 2002 and 2006
5 Carlos Paredes 9 1998, 2002 and 2006
6 Celso Ayala 8 1998 and 2002
Julio César Cáceres 8 2002, 2006 and 2010
Nelson Valdez 8 2006 and 2010
9 Francisco Arce 7 1998 and 2002
Jorge Campos 7 1998 and 2002
José Luis Chilavert 7 1998 and 2002
Cristian Riveros 7 2006 and 2010

World Cup goalscorers

World Cup Player Goals
2002, 2006 Nelson Cuevas 3
1986 Roberto Cabañas 2
1986 Romerito 2
1958 Florencio Amarilla 2
1958 Jorge Romero 2
1958 José Parodi 2
1958 Juan Bautista Agüero 2
2010 Cristian Riveros 1
2010 Enrique Vera 1
2010 Antolín Alcaraz 1
2002 Jorge Luis Campos 1
2002 Francisco Arce 1
2002 Roque Santa Cruz 1
1998 José Cardozo 1
1998 Miguel Ángel Benítez 1
1998 Celso Ayala 1
1958 Cayetano Ré 1
1950 César López Fretes 1
1950 Atilio López 1
1930 Luis Vargas Peña 1

See also

References

  1. ^ FIFA initially credited the goal in the 15th minute to Tom Florie, but changed it to Patenaude in 2006. During previous years, it was also listed as an own goal by Aurelio González (RSSSF).
  2. ^ This is one of several goals for which the statistical details are disputed. The goalscorers and timings used here are those of FIFA, the official record. Some other sources, such as RSSSF, state a different scorer, timing, or both. See "World Cup 1930 finals". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF). Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  3. ^ ".:: Albirroja.com - el Sitio de la Aficion ::" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2004-08-18. Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Match Appointments" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 24 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Tactical Line-up – Group F – Italy-Paraguay" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 14 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 June 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Tactical Line-up – Group F – Slovakia-Paraguay" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 20 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 20 June 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Tactical Line-up – Group F – Paraguay-New Zealand" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 24 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 9, 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  8. ^ Lynch, Michael (30 June 2010). "Justice done for Paraguay as Japan pay the penalty". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 3 July 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  9. ^ Fletcher, Paul (29 June 2010). "Paraguay 0–0 Japan (5–3 pens)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 8 July 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  10. ^ "Okada stands down as Japan coach". Sport.co.uk. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  11. ^ a b "Tactical Line-up – Last 16 – Paraguay-Japan" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 29 June 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  12. ^ a b Fletcher, Paul (3 July 2010). "Paraguay 0–1 Spain". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 5 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  13. ^ "Spain must improve, admits coach". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 3 July 2010. Archived from the original on 4 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  14. ^ Razwan Mirza (5 July 2010). "Martino quits Paraguay". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 7 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  15. ^ a b "Tactical Line-up – Quarterfinal – Paraguay-Spain" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 3 July 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 9, 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2010.

External links

  • Paraguay at FIFA
  • World Cup Finals Statistics
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Paraguay
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Countries at the FIFA World Cup
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1 Considered a successor team by FIFA, or have competed under another name(s). 2 Have been member of multiple confederations. 3 Team and national federation no longer exist.