Paraguay

FOOTBALL IN PARAGUAY Paraguay made its first appearance in theWorld Cup finals in Uruguay in 1930 andwon the Copa America in the same year. It has won the “Copa America” tournament in 1953 and 1979. The country has qualified for five past World Cups with its best performance in 1986 when it lost to England after reaching the last 16. In the 1998World Cup,Paraguay lost in the second round against France 0-1 in a “sudden death”. The Paraguayan team is lead by Cesare Maldini, former coach of the Italian team during the 1998World Cup. THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY Despite the Argentine crisis, the Paraguayan economy grew 2.5% in 2001 after three years of sluggish economic growth. The Government also significantly reduced the fiscal deficit in 2001. Prudent economic policies in recent years have helped the country keep inflation in single digits and maintain a comfortable level of international reserves. The current administration has to continue with the structural reform agenda, in order to improve productivity and boost economic growth. STATE OF THE NATION President Luis Angel González Macchi, formerly president of the Chamber of Senators, constitutionally succeeded President Raul Cubas Grauin in March 1999, who resigned after being impeached soon after the assassination of Vice President Luis Maria Argana. Paraguayans will stage general elections in May 2003. THE 2002 WORLD CUP Paraguay will face Spain, Slovenia and South Africa in Group B. During the qualifying rounds for the World Cup, Paraguay finished in fourth place behind Brazil. Itwon 9 games, lost 6 and tied 3. The main weakness of the team is its defence; it allowed in 23 goals—the fifth worst result in the South American qualifying round. Besides improving its defence, the team has another important challenge: play the first two games in the World Cup without its captain and most dominant player, Jose Luis Chivalert. The 35-year old goalkeeper was suspended in August after spitting at Brazil’s Roberto Carlos during a qualifier. Even considering Chivalert’s absence, Paraguay has a fair chance to qualify for the next round, possibly in second place behind Spain. If Paraguay qualifies, it would face Germany, Cameroon or Ireland in the second round and that would be nothing to spit at.Paraguay is rated at 50 - 1 to lift theWorld Cup in 2002. Previous Appearances: 5 1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998