FRANCE 98 – Match preview n°7

Although Spain start as favourites, less than the width of razor blade separates the other three sides in the World Cup ‘Group of Death.’Yet dark horses Paraguay and Bulgaria are undaunted as they open the proceedings in Group D on Friday in Montpellier.

Bulgaria were the shock team four years ago in the United States when they beat Germany to reach the semi-finals before narrowly falling to Italy. And although the squad has aged way beyond its peak, the Balkan country still possesses a huge reservoir of talent, starting with dead ball expert Hristo Stoichkov.

They and Paraguay now have to ensure they make a winning start to put the pressure on the Spaniards and Nigerians, who face each other Saturday in Nantes.

Bulgarian coach Hristo Bonev sees former Barcelona star Stoichkov and ex-Porto man Emil Kostadinov, now back with CSKA Sofia, as the key men to pull off, if not a repeat showing of USA 94, then at least a passage to the second phase. Ironically, Bonev, 50, ignored Stoichkov for months when he took over after the Bulgarians’ failure to reach the finals of Euro ’96 after the combustible forward led a mini players strike over the sacking of former coach Dimitar Penev. But now that is forgotten.

Bonev, who scored 47 goals in 96 appearances for the national team between 1967 and 1977, said: ” We have had a generation of great players, who are still a force at international level. I know, however, what a long tournament this will be and we must have some youth in the squad. I have a number of players who are beginning to show what they can do. ” I have had Paraguay watched closely so the way they play shouldn’t surprise us too much. “

Paraguay owe their place at their fifth finals to Brazilian coach Paulo Cesar Carpegianni, who led them to second place behind Argentina in the South American qualifying zone after a marathon 16-match campaign, despite defeats on the road by Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

And with expectations fairly low back home, that will ease the pressure on Paraguay, making their first appearance in the finals since 1986, when they suffered a 3-0 mauling by England. It had looked at one stage as if disciplinary problems would undermine the team’s chances after controversial keeper and skipper Jose Luis Chilavert threatened to pull out of the squad over the possible recall of 38-year-old Julio Cesar Romero.

Chilavert said Romero’s selection in the squad for a February friendly was politically-motivated after Romero came out in support of a ruling  party candidate standing at last month’s presidential elections. And he said if the vetaren was retained ” there is no way I will go to the World Cup. “ Although Chilavert himself was dropped for a tour of Mexico and the United States he was subsequently brought back-his experience and penalty-kick taking skills were too valuable to the team. Here he has again been involved in controvsery with Argentina accusing him of ‘spying’ for Japan.

In last Wednesday’s final warm-up in Bucharest, Paraguay almost forced a draw with Romania but Gheorghe Hagi netted a late penalty to secure a 3-2 win for the hosts. Less impressive was a 5-1 loss to Holland. Carpeggiani will rely on a tough defence as Paraguay lack a world class striker. Miguel Benitez was top scorer in the qualifiers with just four goals, but he has had a poor season at Spanish club Espanyol.

The defence is solid, however, with centre back Carlos Gamarra marshalling affairs in front of Chilavert. Gamarra, however, was rated doubtful Wednesday with a foot injury. Defender Francisco Arce, who like Gamarra, plays his club football in Brazil, is over a thigh strain and is set to take his place.Catalino Rivarola, another who plays in the Brazilian league, with Gremio, is also a stalwart while Celso Ayala is the linchpin of a River Plate team which has dominated Argentine football in the past three seasons. In the midfield engine room, Roberto Acuna, born in Argentina, will pull the strings.

” A good start is vital to our hopes of making an impression here, “ said Carpeggiani. ” We have nothing to lose.”