They will be considered the underdogs by a fair margin in tonight's quarter-final against Spain, but Paraguay's coach Gerardo Martino believes his side has the heart to beat the European champions
They will be considered the underdogs by a fair margin in tonight's quarter-final against Spain, but Paraguay's coach Gerardo Martino believes his side has the heart to beat the European champions. "I don't know if all teams have the heart of Paraguay but across the 20 days of the championship nobody has matched us. Now we have 90 or even 120 minutes and I think it's possible. Spain has a way of playing which should allow us more space. They play to win and so we have a better chance to leverage our attacking options," Martino said.
Spain vs Paraguay: Key battles
David Villa vs Antolin Alcarez
Paraguayan centre-back will have the toughest job on the field as he tries to ward off Spain's Villa who has scored four times already.
Xavi Hernandez vsu00a0 Cristian Riveros
Holding midfielder Riveros is a key defender for Paraguay, and has a key role in trying to cut off Spanish midfield ace Xavi's passes.
Team news: Spain
Coach Vicente del Bosque is likely to retain faith in the same line-up that orchestrated Portugal's downfall in the second round. Striker Fernando Torres has been out of form but the former Real Madrid coach is all set to field the Liverpool forward once more. Centre-back Raul Albiol is still out injured.
Probable XI (4-3-3-1): Casillas; Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila; Xavi, Busquets, Alonso; Iniesta, Torres, Villa
Key players: Puyol, Villa, Xavi, Ramos.
Team news: Paraguay
There are no injury or suspension worries for coach Gerardo Martino.
Midfielder Victor Caceres, who missed the second round match against Japan due to a suspension, will be available for selection and is likely to be drafted into the starting 11. Coach Martino admits his side, unlike Spain. are under zero pressure.
Probable XI (4-3-3-1): Villar; Bonet, Da Silva, Alcarez, Morel; Vera, Caceres, Riveros; Santa Cruz, Benitez, Lucas
Key players: Alcarez, Riveros
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