Santa Cruz plotting Spain's downfall
Pretoria
In a manner of speaking, I am still in Paraguay.
I passed through the South American country a few years ago but the bus I left on did not stop at the border at
I went to the front and mentioned this to the driver but he just shrugged his shoulders in a way that terminated any discussion. We carried on until we reached Argentine immigration.
During my few days in Paraguay, I managed to persuade my wife we should spend one of our evenings watching a World Cup qualifier on a big outdoor screen at a pizza parlour.
but what struck me most was the passion for the game. The cameras cut to scenes of jubilant supporters at the stadium, while all around the locals were jumping up and down, singing and celebrating.
I thought of this earlier this week as Roque Santa Cruz tried to explain what reaching a World Cup quarter-final for the first time meant to Paraguayans.
"As a player at a World Cup, you are focused on reaching the next stage," said the intelligent and likeable 28-year-old. "But we have heard about people in Paraguay - they cannot even talk, they are all crying."
ended a succession of seven World Cup campaigns since 1930 when Paraguay have either failed to progress from their group or beyond the round of 16.
I thought the match against the Blue Samurai was intriguing more than exciting, with Japan sitting deep and looking to hit on the counter attack, while Paraguay, in turn, rarely committed enough players forward.
But if both teams cancelled each other out in Pretoria, Santa Cruz is adamant that his side's quarter-final tie against Spain in Johannesburg on Saturday will be a much more pleasing spectacle.
"It is going to be very different from our last two games [ and Japan] when we played teams that are keen on their defence," added the Manchester City forward.
"Spain will want to go out and explore what they have as a group. They want to go forward and try to win so I think that situation will open the game up and make it more enjoyable to watch as well."
to set up a last-eight tie that are widely expected to win.
There were signs in that match that Vicente del Bosque's team are starting to click into gear. They dominated possession and repeatedly sliced open the disappointing Portuguese as their opponents chased the game. In David Villa, scorer of the winning goal, they have a potent attacking weapon.
Yet there are problems for Del Bosque - notably the poor form of striker Fernando Torres and goalkeeper Iker Casillas, as well as a lack of width.
And Santa Cruz is adamant that his team can pull off a major surprise and continue a fine tournament for South America that has resulted in four sides making the last eight.
"We have a team that is very experienced and we are not afraid to play anyone," he said. "Especially when you are taking on a side that won't just try to defend."
Santa Cruz, who reckons the success of South American teams here is a combination of natural talent allied to the discipline learnt by playing club football in Europe, admitted that his team struggled against Japan because they were not used to trying to open up a side that defended so deeply.
Paraguay, who if they had not lost to Colombia in their final game, could not exploit the pace and physicality they have up front - but they should have more room in the final third against Spain.
Having said that, scoring goals has been a problem for Paraguay, who started against Japan with an attacking trio of Santa Cruz and Edgar Benitez either side of Lucas Barrios but have not found the net for 214 minutes.
in England, while Salvador Cabanas, Paraguay's leading scorer in qualifying with six goals, was and is absent from the tournament.
Riveros will play for Sunderland next season. Photo: AP
Not one Paraguay forward has scored in South Africa but at least goals are finally coming from midfield. was the only midfielder to score in the 18 qualifying games but both he and Enrique Vera notched against Slovakia.
In Paraguay's favour, they have not conceded since .
Villar, who turned 33 on Wednesday, plays his club football in Spain for Valladolid and has stressed the importance of denying Spain's creative players such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta space in midfield.
"You will see two types of football," said Villar of the forthcoming tie. "One side will try to skilfully attack, while we try to stop them and capitalise on our chances."
Coach Martino has introduced three Argentine-born players into the squad since his appointment in February 2007, with .
But Santa Cruz explained that a lot of the Paraguay squad have known each other since under-17 level and that the togetherness in the camp has been crucial to their success.
The former Bayern Munich and Blackburn Rovers striker was also honest enough to admit that an impressive World Cup could be a route into European football for some of his team-mates.
"For sure, this is a fantastic window of opportunity for everybody," he said. "Players will try to us it to help them seal a move to Europe."
A victory over Spain would do them no harm at all.
Hello, I'm Paul Fletcher and I mainly write about life in the Football League. I have a great enthusiasm for a whole range of sports and love to spread the word about the great game of rugby league. You can also follow me on .
Comment number 1.
At 2nd Jul 2010, pedrobarca wrote:Dont see anything but an easy spain win!!!
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Comment number 2.
At 2nd Jul 2010, collie21 wrote:I think this might be the game where Spain open up and blast the opposition of the pitch!
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Comment number 3.
At 2nd Jul 2010, jurynow wrote:You've got to love those Latin American bus drivers Paul, they don't care about the administrative side of border crossings for us 'gringos'. In a manner of speaking I am still in Guatemala and Brazil!
Back to the football, 3-0 win for Spain, Villa effectively securing the golden boot in this match.
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Comment number 4.
At 2nd Jul 2010, collie21 wrote:Oh and Scouse_Torres, tell me, is Hodgson really the man to lead you forward or do you the other bloke back?
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Comment number 5.
At 2nd Jul 2010, collie21 wrote:oops wrong blog
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Comment number 6.
At 2nd Jul 2010, York wrote:Spain will bottle it
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Comment number 7.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Ed wrote:Have spent most of the last year living in Asuncion so I have watched this Paraguayan team in person and on tv a number of times. I can tell you that this is a very solid team, who will defend stoutly, that even though their forwards haven't scored in this tournament they have good movement and quality and that Sunderland have themselves a wonderful player in Cristian Riveros.
That said they are about to play the best team in the world. What are their chances? Well certainly not favourites, but they beat both Brazil and Argentina in qualifying and possess the required quality in all areas of the park to produce a shock. Don't forsee a 3-0 unless the Spanish contrive more despicable play-acting to get Paulo Da Silva sent off. Who gets the first goal will be all important, should be Spain but if it is Paraguay, then Asuncion will erupt and Spain's history of choking may well be seen in full effect.
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Comment number 8.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Letterfinlay wrote:I've always loved Paraguay. I grew up watching rugby league and 4th division football. It was all about passion and pride in your community, about working hard and valuing both the skills and the power, recognising that more could be achieved through a disciplined and organised team that respected each contribution. Brazil and Argentina are inspiring in many ways but for a small town kid, Paraguay were always the real role model. A tiny population who had suffered so much in wars with the big two were now taking them on and winning at football.
So I went there. I experienced exactly that passion for the game that you described Paul. Did you go to Luque? It's like a tropical Castleford or Ipswich or Lens or Kaiserslautern. A small town, even by Paraguayan standards, who's sporting representatives punch way above their weight and give the town a national profile. It was incredible to see pavement edging in the whole town painted Belfast style... but in a positive celebration of blue and amber.
Funny thing is that ever since I've been following La Albirroja, I've never really come to terms with Roque as a Paraguayan international. He's a name, a star, a celebrity. He even has a Sportfreunde Stiller song dedicated to him. Can he fit into the collective way of being? I like him a lot but the evidence so far from this World Cup is that he's an individual and Paraguayans do best as a team.
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Comment number 9.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Paul Fletcher wrote:Letterfinlay - Castleford? I didn't go to Luque, but I never ever thought I would hear a Paraguayan town compared to that earthy corner of West Yorkshire. It must be special.
I reckon Saturday could be tricky for a Spanish side that does not appear to be fully functioning in the way they were at Euro 2008.
And as Ed has pointed out, Paraguay showed in qualifying that they are not scared to take on more esteemed opponents - and beat them!
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Comment number 10.
At 2nd Jul 2010, JoC wrote:Roque Santa-Cruz "...we have heard about people in Paraguay - they cannot even talk, they are all crying." Same in England mate!! :(
I would love it if Paraguay were to win and they are a very good TEAM but also need Spain to knock out Argentina or Germany if Holland don't do the business and think emotions would be too much for Roque's team by the sound of it..we need a European winner outside Europe for once.
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Comment number 11.
At 2nd Jul 2010, collie21 wrote:I have to Say if Roque Santa Cruz is the forward, All i can expect is what i have seen from the other forwards playing in England. Drogba 1 goal, Torres no goals, Rooney no goals, Bent not at the world cup, Crouch no goals, heskey no goals, we have to go down to the 15th top scorer in the premier league, barring Tevez to find another player who has scored in the world cup. the top 15 goal scorers in the premier league have managed 4 goals between themselves. Brilliant advert for how great English football is. Villa on his own has managed that, which must put his worth around the 100 million mark.
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Comment number 12.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Rickytickytavi wrote:While I believe everyone at this stage has a 'chance', I think they will be found wanting against a Spain side who, although not fully firing, have an immense pool of talent to call upon.. 2-0 Spain I reckon.
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Comment number 13.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Sergio Lahaye wrote:@ 1 and 2: that's exactly what Italy, brazil and Argentina fans thought...
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Comment number 14.
At 2nd Jul 2010, mac wrote:spain play just like arsenal but win things with their better forwards. cant see paraguay getting anything but beat up.
p.s. say it ain't so- capello to stay?
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Comment number 15.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Paul Fletcher wrote:Hmmm, there is no question that Paraguay knocking out Spain would be a bigger shock than the Netherlands knocking out Brazil. But honestly, how many people expected the Brazilians to lose in Port Elizabeth?
Having said that, I now leave myself exposed to all the hindsight experts!
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Comment number 16.
At 2nd Jul 2010, WordsofWisdom wrote:Roque Santa Cruz? Is that the same Roque Santa Cruz who has only in one season in his career scored more than 20 goals and who has a career average of less than 15 goals in a 50 game season?
He's rubbish and Spain will spank Paraguay...well and truly.
After tonight that will be 2 of the South American teams gone.
Here's to Germany and Ghana making it a full compliment!
Nothing against South America you understand.....I just don't like teams being over-rated and journalists jumping on bandwagons to get nice soundbites.
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Comment number 17.
At 2nd Jul 2010, WordsofWisdom wrote:15. At 5:38pm on 02 Jul 2010, Paul Fletcher wrote:
Hmmm, there is no question that Paraguay knocking out Spain would be a bigger shock than the Netherlands knocking out Brazil. But honestly, how many people expected the Brazilians to lose in Port Elizabeth?
Having said that, I now leave myself exposed to all the hindsight experts!
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Too many journalists like yourself have hugely over-rated Brazil in this tournament. Good at the back (except today) but average in midfield and prima donnaesque in attack. I predicted their demise.
Hindsight expert?????........I put a ton on Holland at 4 to 1!
Happy days!
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Comment number 18.
At 2nd Jul 2010, cliveeta wrote:Poor form Torres vs who? Santa Cruz?
How many times have we seen Torres pull a goal out of nowhere and win a game? He does it often, most notably in the Euro Final 2 years ago.
And does Santa Cruz do the same? Not that I have seen.
So give me a break, there is no comparison. Spain will play with ten men ( Torres as passenger) for 85 minutes and can still win it with one spark of genius.
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Comment number 19.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Sergio Lahaye wrote:Exactly the same nonsense people were saying about England thrashing Algeria, USA et al...
Still, it's good for us. Nobody bet on us beating Brazil or Argentina. There's no reason why we can't beat Spain. if we do, it'll be the greatest result ever for our side. If we don't, they've still done us proud.
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Comment number 20.
At 2nd Jul 2010, Angel wrote:Spanish fan here. Having read the article and posts I firstly want to congratulate Paraguay for the tournament. Then some considerations:
1) If Spain break the deadlock soon Paraguay might get a sack of goals.
2) Otherwise, we could see another Spain vs Switzerland match with Paraguay succeeding in parking the bus (i.e., late goal or penalties shoot out).
You all know 'football is football'. But the real question is, leaving aside the winning issue, which one of both styles of football you'd like to see from your team?
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Comment number 21.
At 2nd Jul 2010, John Ca wrote:Uruguay has no moral right to be in the World Cup
Cheats!
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Comment number 22.
At 3rd Jul 2010, Sharminator wrote:Why are people so negative about Paraguay?
I´m an Australian who has lived in Paraguay for 5 years and followed Paraguay through the world cup qualifiers .. where we beat both Argentina AND Brazil ...
We were leading the qualifiers until the final rounds (we could have come 1st if we won our last game).
The Europeans who keep going on about how poor Paraguay are simply dont know anything about Paraguay. Its pure ignorance.
Paraguay have always been known in South America for their defence, and under Tata, their coach, they have discovered attack more as well.
For the last 5 years Paraguay has consistantly been the 3rd best team in South America after Brasil and Argentina, above Chile and Uruguay.
No one seems to actually know any of this when saying how poor or hopeless Py is.
The 91Èȱ¬ coverage of Paraguay has always been poor. When Paraguay has played there has been 90% focus on their opposition, Italy, Slovakia, New Zealand, and even on Japan after Japan lost.
Going into the final group game the 91Èȱ¬ commentator was only talking about how Slovakia or New Zealand could top the group! Paraguay was winnig the group and only needed a draw to come first.
Paraguay are consistantly the 3rd best team in South America, their league is also the 3rd best, give them some respect and credit!
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Comment number 23.
At 3rd Jul 2010, Ryu wrote:#21#
On what grounds you classify Uruguay as cheats?
I can't believe you talking about moral rights.
Suarez did what he had to do and so did the referee.
Shame Ghana didn't score, though.
Everything done and contemplated by the rules.
Stop talking typical british non-sense (doule standars?).
Sorry but I was embarrased yesterday by the ITV comentators.
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Comment number 24.
At 3rd Jul 2010, Portugal OUT of the EU wrote:Hope Paraguay send England's favourite foreign team home and someone teaches Capdevilla and Busquets a lesson. Uruguay vs Paraguay @ Soccer City......I believe!
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Comment number 25.
At 3rd Jul 2010, DrCajetanCoelho wrote:Roque Santa Cruz and his team mates have done well in their long and arduous South American World Cup qualifying campaign. Unlike Argentina and Brazil, Paraguay has less luminaries in their line up. The media has not really highlighted the capacities and abilities of teams like Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile. Hope Paraguay does well in the QFs and bring joy to their fans. Best wishes.
Dr. Cajetan Coelho
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Comment number 26.
At 3rd Jul 2010, beatlened wrote:Handling the ball and being punished for it is no worse than any other foul anywhere on the pitch. It's against the rules but the player knows he is going to get punished. If the referee doesn't spot it then it's a different kettle of fish.Red card and penalty awarded. In days gone by the handball was only punished by a penalty kick, no sending off, or even a booking. It was far more common back in the "old days". No sense comparing this to Henry who clearly cheated (because he wasn't punished and told the referee that he didn't handle it)
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Comment number 27.
At 4th Jul 2010, Sergio Lahaye wrote:So much for an easy spain win! fools
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Comment number 28.
At 5th Jul 2010, peruviansoccer wrote:i htink the europeans teams had a litle help from referees,i saw how they destroy the hopes n feelings from people from paraguay , i wish the mafia in soccer can use technology for all this matters that only benefit the countries wwith reps in fifa as argentine n ohers hope football can be the best sport n best examples for people who dont like or just starting to watch n love soccer thank you
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