Paraguay wary of Slovak surprise
Source: Agencies |
June 20, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
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PARAGUAY aims to extend the South American dominance gripping the World Cup when it faces Slovakia today looking for goals but is wary of being caught out on the counter-attack.
South American teams, led by the impressive Argentina, have so far been the main source of entertainment at the finals, notching up five wins and two draws. Paraguay is determined to match the performances of its bigger neighbors.
Forward Roque Santa Cruz, who came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with world champion Italy having been troubled by a muscle strain, told reporters he expected a more open match against Slovakia due to the attacking nature of both sides.
However, the lanky striker has urged his teammates to be cautious, telling reporters: "We can have a nasty surprise with their counter-attack, they do that very well."
Paraguay's draw with Italy was matched by the scoreline in Slovakia's match with New Zealand which got a last-gasp equalizer, leaving all four Group F teams on one point. Italy and Paraguay therefore remain favorites to progress.
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino will use a 4-3-3 formation at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein with Santa Cruz coming into the side for Aureliano Torres alongside Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios.
Slovakia has hardly been seen since its draw with New Zealand, coach Vladimir Weiss shunning the media spotlight while he spends his time plotting an upset. Weiss is expected to make just one change to his starting lineup with midfielder Miroslav Stoch coming in for forward Erik Jendrisek.
South American teams, led by the impressive Argentina, have so far been the main source of entertainment at the finals, notching up five wins and two draws. Paraguay is determined to match the performances of its bigger neighbors.
Forward Roque Santa Cruz, who came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with world champion Italy having been troubled by a muscle strain, told reporters he expected a more open match against Slovakia due to the attacking nature of both sides.
However, the lanky striker has urged his teammates to be cautious, telling reporters: "We can have a nasty surprise with their counter-attack, they do that very well."
Paraguay's draw with Italy was matched by the scoreline in Slovakia's match with New Zealand which got a last-gasp equalizer, leaving all four Group F teams on one point. Italy and Paraguay therefore remain favorites to progress.
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino will use a 4-3-3 formation at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein with Santa Cruz coming into the side for Aureliano Torres alongside Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios.
Slovakia has hardly been seen since its draw with New Zealand, coach Vladimir Weiss shunning the media spotlight while he spends his time plotting an upset. Weiss is expected to make just one change to his starting lineup with midfielder Miroslav Stoch coming in for forward Erik Jendrisek.
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