FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Paraguay settled down into their World Cup routine here Monday as colourful keeper and skipper Jose Luis Chilavert warned the world that ” we’re capable of beating any team. “

Paraguay are playing in Group D and open their campaign against Bulgaria here on Friday. They later face Spain and Nigeria in what has been described as the ” group of death ” from which all four countries appear on paper to have a chance of qualifying. Paraguay qualified for their fifth finals as surprise runners-up to Argentina in the arduous South American division, showing their mettle with a win over Colombia and a draw with Argentina.

And they hope to bring a little Brazilian flair to the tournament courtesy of their coach, Paulo Cesar Carpegiani, a former Brazil international.Midfielder Roberto Acuna, nicknamed El Toro, is the only injury worry at present, having picked up a knock in Saturday’s friendly defeat against Belgium. The Paraguayans are playing in their first finals since 1986, when England beat them 3-0 in Mexico in the second round.

The squad is staying in the village of Clapiers just north of Montpellier. They will stay there for the duration of the first round.