Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino played down the absence of Roque Santa Cruz as his players went for a stroll at the Free State Stadium ahead of their match against Slovakia.

Santa Cruz has been troubled with a leg muscle injury and only played a small part in the draw against Italy in their opening game. And while Martino refused to be drawn on whether Santa Cruz would start on Sunday, he explained: "Roque had the option whether to come or not and decided to stay at the hotel."

Vladimir Weiss, son of the Slovakia coach of the same name, is expected to retain his place in the Slovak team.