Germany 2006 will be the sixth time that Paraguay will be talking pArt in the finals of a FIFA World Cup.
In their last two campaigns in Korea/Japan 2002 and France 1998, they lost to runners-up Germany and champions France respectively.
But this time the Albirroja are ready to show the world that they are destined for greater glory.
Anibal Maño Ruiz's team finished fourth in South American qualifiers behind Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador but there was never any doubt that they would not make it to Germany 2006.
Although a record of eight wins, four draws and six defeats, with 23 goals for and the same number against does not speak very highly about Paraguay but with a 1-0 win against Argentina, they showed that they can beat the very best on their day.
Ruiz was made the coach after Korea/Japan 2002 and he took the team forward by finding the right mix of experienced campaigners and young hopefuls.
Led by Justo Villar, Paraguay have players like Carlos Gamarra, Dos Santos and Edgar Barreto who took the team to the runners-up spot at the 2004 Olympic Football Tournament in Athens.
With forwards like Roque Santa Cruz, Jose Cardozo and young Nelson Haedo Valdez, the South Americans would be hoping to do better than their last two campaigns.
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