

Roque Santa Cruz believes team spirit lies behind Paraguay's run to the top of Group F which moved them within sight of the last 16.
Santa Cruz helped his side move in sight of the second phase with a 2-0 victory against Slovakia with goals from Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros either side of half-time.
Santa Cruz believes the bond between the players is key to the team's achievements and he said: "Our strengths are as a team we are very compact. We are all proud to be part of the squad. The atmosphere is fantastic, not just in our games but in training."
| Years | Winners | Runner-up | Third place | 
| 2006 | Italy | France | Germany | 
| 2002 | Brazil | Germany | Turkey | 
| 1998 | France | Brazil | Croatia | 
| 1994 | Brazil | Italy | Sweden | 
| 1990 | Germany | Argentina | Italy | 
| 1986 | Argentina | Germany | France | 
| 1982 | Italy | Germany | Poland | 
| 1978 | Argentina | Holland | Brazil | 
| 1974 | Germany | Holland | Poland | 
| 1970 | Brazil | Italy | Germany | 
| 1966 | England | Germany | Portugal | 
| 1962 | Brazil | Czech | Chile | 
| 1958 | Brazil | Sweden | France | 
| 1954 | Germany | Hungary | Austria | 
| 1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Sweden | 
| 1938 | Italy | Hungary | Brazil | 
| 1934 | Italy | Czech | Germany | 
| 1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | America |