Copa America 2015 Preview: Paraguay

Overview

The last edition of the Copa America foreshadowed what was to come for Paraguayan football.

Paraguay finished as runners-up without winning a single game, stringing together five consecutive draws en route to the final and squeaking through the knockout stage as a result of some catastrophic penalty kicks from their opponents.

That was four years ago.

Since then, La Albirroja have evolved into a fraction of the machine they were throughout the 1990s and 2000s, an era in which they made four consecutive World Cup appearances.

Landlocked geographically and landlocked by an inability to replace its past generation in football terms, Paraguay looks set for an unattractive showing at the Copa America.

Recent friendlies have provided zero indications that a turnaround can be achieved in the near future, and manager Ramon Diaz, who was appointed in December 2014 with no prior connection to Paraguayan football, doesn't appear capable of triggering a revival.

Any hopes of Paraguay progressing from the group stage will comically rest on the feet of 33-year-old Roque Santa Cruz, who featured at the 1999 Copa America and continues to be La Albirroja's most threatening player in front of goal.

Group Stage Schedule

All times are listed in local time

Projected Starting XI

Justo Villar; Marcos Caceres, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio; Nestor Ortigoza, Victor Caceres, Richard Ortiz; Derlis Gonzalez, Roque Santa Cruz, Edgar Benitez

Like most other managers at the Copa America, Diaz will be using the competition to fine tune his squad ahead of the upcoming South American qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

As a result, it's unclear just how Paraguay, whose squad features a blend of experienced players and new blood, will take the pitch at the Copa America.

Both a three-man backline and a four-man backline have been experimented with under Diaz, both of which failed to make a lasting impression.

El Capitan

Back from the dead and more alive than ever, Roque Santa Cruz will wear the captain's armband for Paraguay at the Copa America and look to inspire La Albirroja to a repeat of 2011.

It was 16 years ago that Santa Cruz made his debut at the competition, a testament to the lack of attacking talent that is surfacing from the obscure South American nation these days rather than a praising of Santa Cruz's ability to withstand the test of time.

However, Santa Cruz still continues to show flashes of the brilliance that captivated his supporters at the Allianz Arena all those years ago and should by no means be written off just yet.

The Star

In yet another reminder of Paraguay's stagnant production line, 37-year-old 'keeper Justo Villar will feature between the posts at the Copa America.

Of course, 'keepers are capable of playing until their early 40s, and Villar shows no signs that his career is approaching its conclusion.

He might not be blessed with the flashiness of compatriot Jose Luis Chilavert, who often preferred to use his feet as opposed to his hands and will forever be remembered as one of the most unique 'keepers to have ever played the beautiful game, but Villar is reliable, possesses quick reflexes, and put in an excellent display at the 2010 World Cup.

The Young Gun

All signs point to Diaz opting for experience over youth, which likely means that Paraguayan supporters will be denied of the opportunity to witness their nation's most talented player at the Copa America.

Derlis Gonzalez, 21, is the only player from Paraguay's squad who had the privilege of playing in last season's Champions League and is one of the few reasons that La Albirroja have reason for optimism in the near future.

Yet, if recent friendlies are anything to go by, he'll be watching his side's imminent collapse from the confines of the bench. And simply put, it would be a crime if Gonzalez's audacity on the right flank isn't utilized.

Burning Questions

• What type of impact will 33-year-old Roque Santa Cruz be able to make at the Copa America?
• Will Ramon Diaz opt for experience over youth in Paraguay's starting XI?
• At what point will Paraguay turn to Derlis Gonzalez if things aren't going its way in the group stage?

Odds and Ends

Nickname: La Albirroja

Most caps: Paulo Da Silva (118)

Top scorer: Roque Santa Cruz (30)

Best Copa America result: Champions (1953, 1979)