PREVIEW:THE manner in which Paraguay edged past Japan did little to inspire confidence they can seriously trouble Spain.
Gerardo Martino’s side did top their group but they were helped to top spot by the poor form of Italy. And Martino has had little to thank his strikers for so far, with Roque Santa Cruz and co failing to muster even one goal between them despite the Argentine generally committing himself to a three-man strike force.
Against Japan, they had the bulk of the game’s chances but only Lucas Barrios looked likely to score. They would presumably take their chances in a penalty shoot-out against the European champions as the team’s midfield may have a little too much on its plate trying to contain Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta.
Their coach, though, insists they will look to take the game to their opponents and Santa Cruz insists Paraguay can rise to the occasion, freed at least of the fear of becoming the first South American side to lose to Asian opposition at a World Cup and liberated from expectation. “It is going to be very different from our last two games (New Zealand was the other) when we played teams that are keen on their defence,” says the Manchester City striker.
“Spain will want to 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.”
But it remains difficult to see how the Paraguayans are going to stifle the supply to David Villa and, it seems, Fernando Torres up front. In midweek, their defensive midfielder Nestor Ortigoza looked composed and tidy in front of his back four. But the tempo of that game was low and as his team dug in deep, Keisuke Honda was left looking stranded in a way that is unlikely to happen this evening.
Victor Caceres is available again after suspension and may displace the 25-year-old. Their own Torres, Aureliano, an experienced defender, may also return after a calf strain.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque, meanwhile, insists he will again select Torres despite the striker having failed to score so far. “He’s played four games, a lot of minutes and will play more. We’ve got full confidence in him,” he maintained.
– Emmet Malone
