Julio Manzur has been left out of Paraguay's World Cup squad after failing to overcome a thigh injury.
The defender, who played in the 2006 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, was an expected exclusion for the trip to South Africa as he struggled with the injury, even though coach Gerardo Martino had named him in View more »
Argentina-born Lucas Barrios heads Paraguay's final 23-man World Cup squad named by coach Gerardo Martino on Monday.
Martino, who is an Argentine, announced the final squad a day before the FIFA deadline.
Barrios, who plays for German club Borussia Dortmund, received his Paraguay passport just a few weeks ago. In jus View more »
The South Americans warm up for the World Cup in Dublin...
Planning for 2012
Giovanni Trapattoni and his Ireland squad have been together since the end of the English league season and have played two behind the scenes friendlies against representative sides in Dublin. Ahead of the Paraguay game, in which he will View more »
Third time lucky: in what appears a weaker than usual Paraguay squad, Roque Santa Cruz will be essential if they hope to progress
Caps: 64Goals: 20World Cup appearances: 7 (2002, 2006)World Cup 2010 qualification: 5 appearances/3 goals
Club: Manchester CityAge: 28Position: Striker
Paraguay’s squad is weake View more »
Warning: Italy coach Marcello Lippi warned players and fans not to get complacent after a kind draw
How Italy qualified for World Cup 2010: European Group 8 winners.
Manager: Marcello LippiCaptain: Fabio CannavaroPremier League players: Alberto Aquilani (Liverpool).
Italy coach Marcello Lippi sounded a warning to View more »
History man: Gerardo Martino, Paraguay coach at World Cup 2010
The Coach: Gerardo Martino (Argentine, 46). Appointed: Feb 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.
A former Argentina international, Martino replaced the Uruguayan, Anibal Ruiz. His knowledge and success while coaching Paraguayan clubs made him View more »
Keen for the praise to fall on those who earned it most, Antolin Alcaraz positively glowed with gratitude as he savoured Paraguay's recent form. “The success of this team is down to the coach,” the defender told FIFA.com, with just two months to go before he and his colleagues touch down in South Africa for View more »