Paraguay national football team

The Paraguay national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Paraguay) represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions, and are controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association (Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol). Paraguay is a member of CONMEBOL. The Albirroja has qualified for eight FIFA World Cup competitions (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010), with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals. A regular participant at the Copa América, Paraguay have been crowned champions of the competition on two occasions (in 1953 and 1979). Paraguay's highest FIFA World Rankings was 8th (March 2001) and their lowest was 103 (May 1995). Paraguay was awarded second place with Best Move of the Year in 1996 for their rise in the FIFA Rankings.

Paraguay

Nickname(s)	Los Guaraníes La Albirroja (The White and Red)
Association	Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol (APF)
Confederation	CONMEBOL (South America)
Head coach	Eduardo Berizzo
Captain	Gustavo Gómez
Most caps	Paulo da Silva (148)
Top scorer	Roque Santa Cruz (32)
Home stadium	Estadio Defensores del Chaco
FIFA code	PAR
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	34 (10 December 2020)[1]
Highest	8 (March 2001)
Lowest	103 (May 1995)
First international
Paraguay 1–5 Argentina  (Asunción, Paraguay; 11 May 1919)
Biggest win
Paraguay 7–0 Bolivia  (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 30 April 1949)  Hong Kong 0–7 Paraguay  (Hong Kong; 17 November 2010)
Biggest defeat
Argentina 8–0 Paraguay  (Santiago, Chile; 20 October 1926)
World Cup
Appearances	8 (first in 1930)
Best result	Quarter-finals (2010)
Copa América
Appearances	37 (first in 1921)
Best result	Champions (1953, 1979)

The national team's most successful period was under the coaching of Argentine Gerardo Martino, who was awarded with the South American Coach of the Year in 2007 and took Paraguay to the quarter-finals stage of the FIFA World Cup competition for the first time in history (in 2010) and also to the final of the 2011 Copa América, where Paraguay finished as runners-up. In Paraguay's entire history at the FIFA World Cup, only Carlos Gamarra and José Luis Chilavert hold the distinction of being selected as part of the All-Star Team, being for the 1998 edition. Paulo da Silva holds the most appearances for the national team with 150 matches and Roque Santa Cruz is the all-time leading goal scorer with 32 goals. Denis Caniza, who was present with the national team from 1996 to 2010, is the only player to have represented Paraguay in four consecutive FIFA World Cup competitions (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010).

History

The beginning (1900–1930)

Paraguay at the 1929 South American Championship.

Soon after the introduction of football in Paraguay by Williams Paats, the Liga Paraguaya de Futbol (today Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol) was created in 1906. The first national football team was organized in 1910 when an invitation by the Argentine club Hércules of Corrientes was received to play a friendly match. Members of that first national team where F. Melián, G. Almeida, A. Rodríguez, M. Barrios, P. Samaniego, J. Morín, Z. Gadea, D. Andreani, C. Mena Porta, B. Villamayor, M. Rojas and E. Erico. The match ended in a 0–0 draw.[2]

Because of the increasing number of invitations to play matches and international tournaments, the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol decided to officially create the national team and select the striped red and white jerseys that until this date remain as the official colours (taken from the Paraguayan flag). In late 1919, Paraguay accepted the invitation to play the 1921 Copa América and in order to prepare for that occasion a number of friendly matches were played between 1919 and the start of the tournament in 1921. The first of those friendly matches was a 5–1 loss against Argentina, and it marked the first international game by the Paraguayan national football team. When the 1921 Copa América finally arrived, Paraguay surprised everybody by beating then three-time South American champions Uruguay by 2–1, being this the first match in an official competition for the Paraguayan football team. Paraguay eventually finished fourth in the tournament and became a regular participant of the tournament for the next editions.

In 1930, Paraguay participated in the first World Cup, organized by Uruguay. In the first round, Paraguay debuted and lost to the United States (0–3), to then defeat Belgium (1–0) with a goal by Luis Vargas Peña. Only one team was to advance from the group stage, and the U.S. left Paraguay behind.

First taste of success (1930–1970)

After strong participations in the Copa América tournaments of 1929, 1947 and 1949 (where Paraguay finished in second place), Paraguay was ready for their next World Cup competition.

The return to the World Cup was in 1950, where Paraguay faced Sweden and Italy in Group 3. Paraguay failed to advance to the next round after a 2–2 draw against Sweden and a 2–0 loss against Italy.

The first big success came in 1953 when Paraguay won the Copa América disputed in Peru. In their road to the championship, Paraguay defeated Chile (3–0), Bolivia (2–1) and Brazil (2–1); and tied against Ecuador (0–0), Peru (2–2) and Uruguay (2–2). Since Paraguay and Brazil were tied in points at the end of the tournament, a final playoff match was played between them, with Paraguay winning the final by 3–2. Key players of the campaign included Ángel Berni, Heriberto Herrera and Rubén Fernández. The coach was Manuel Fleitas Solich.[3]

For the 1958 World Cup, Paraguay surprisingly qualified ahead of Uruguay (beating them 5–0 in the decisive game) with a team that contained a formidable attacking lineup with stars such as Juan Bautista Agüero, José Parodi, Jorge Lino Romero, Cayetano Ré and Florencio Amarilla. In their first game in Sweden, Paraguay were 3–2 up against France in a game they lost 7–3. A 3–2 win over Scotland and a 3–3 draw with Yugoslavia saw Paraguay finish third in their group.

The departure of several of their stars for European football (mainly Spain) resulted in a weakening of Paraguay's football fortunes somewhat, but they were only edged out by Mexico in the 1962 qualifiers.

More continental success (1970–1990)

Paraguay fell short in subsequent World Cup qualifying campaigns, but Copa América success (and that of one of its premier clubs Olimpia in the Copa Libertadores) in 1979 shored up Paraguay as a solid player on the continent.

The 1979 Copa América was won by Paraguay after finishing first in Group C (which had Uruguay and Ecuador as well) with two wins and two draws. In the semi-finals, Paraguay defeated Brazil by an aggregate score of 4–3. In the finals, Paraguay defeated Chile by an aggregate score of 3–1 to claim its second continental crown. Players such as Romerito, Carlos Alberto Kiese, Alicio Solalinde, Roberto Paredes, Hugo Ricardo Talavera and Eugenio Morel where an important part of the team, coached by Ranulfo Miranda.[4]

Paraguay ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup in 1986 with a team starring Roberto Fernández in goal; Cesar Zabala, Rogelio Delgado and Juan Bautista Torales in defence; Jorge Amado Nunes and Vladimiro Schettina in midfield; midfield playmaker Romerito and strikers Roberto Cabañas, Ramón Ángel María Hicks and Rolando Chilavert (the older brother of José Luis Chilavert). In first round matches, Paraguay defeated Iraq (1–0, goal scored by Romerito) and then tied Mexico (1–1, goal scored by Romerito) and Belgium (2–2, both goals scored by Roberto Cabañas). They reached the second round where they were beaten 3–0 by England.[5]

The golden generation (1998–2011)

A drought followed once again, as Paraguay failed to reach the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

In 1992, Paraguay won the South American Pre-Olympic tournament, which guaranteed a spot in the 1992 Summer Olympics football competition. In the Olympics, Paraguay finished second in its group and were eliminated by Ghana in the quarter-finals.[6] The most important aspect of that Paraguay team was the emergence of new young players like Carlos Gamarra, Celso Ayala, José Luis Chilavert, Francisco Arce and José Cardozo, which became part of the "golden generation" that led Paraguay to three-straight World Cups and good performances in continental competitions, establishing Paraguay as one of the top teams in South America alongside Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

1998 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay concluded the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup in second position, one point below Argentina.

Group D

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	Nigeria	3	2	0	1	5	5	0	6	Advance to knockout stage
2	Paraguay	3	1	2	0	3	1	+2	5
3	Spain	3	1	1	1	8	4	+4	4
4	Bulgaria	3	0	1	2	1	7	−6	1

Source: FIFA

Coached by the Brazilian Paulo César Carpegiani, the Albirroja returned to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986. The squad featured experienced players. Paraguay were drawn into Group D, alongside Bulgaria, Nigeria and Spain.

Paraguay drew their first two matches 0–0, against Bulgaria and Spain.[7] They then faced to face Nigeria, who has already qualified for the second round after winning their first two matches. Paraguay won 3–1 and finished in second position in the group.

Paraguay met France in the second round on 28 June. France were without Zinedine Zidane, and were held 0–0 by Paraguay for 90 minutes. In the 114th minute of extra-time, Laurent Blanc scored to eliminate Paraguay on the golden goal rule.[8] Defender Carlos Gamarra and goalkeeper and captain José Luís Chilavert were selected as part of the 1998 All-Star Team.

1999 and 2001 Copa América

Group A

Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Paraguay	3	2	1	0	5	0	+5	7
Peru	3	2	0	1	4	3	+1	6
Bolivia	3	0	2	1	1	2	−1	2
Japan	3	0	1	2	3	8	−5	1

Source:

Paraguay were hosts of the 1999 Copa América, played in four cities throughout the country. Head coach Ever Hugo Almeida selected an experienced squad, with the majority of the players having been present at the 1998 World Cup. Grouped with Bolivia, Japan and Peru, the Albirroja played their first match of the competition, drawing 0–0 against Bolivia. On 2 July, Paraguay faced Japan and sealed a 4–0 victory. In Paraguay's third and last group-stage fixture against Peru, Paraguay won 1–0. The Albirroja topped the group with seven points. Paraguay were drawn against Uruguay at the quarter-final stage. The match was decided via a penalty shootout, which saw Paraguay defeated 5–3. Following the conclusion of the competition, striker Roque Santa Cruz was awarded with the 1999 Paraguayan Footballer of the Year award.[9]

In the 2001 Copa America, head coach Sergio Markarián selected a squad of mostly domestic based players. Paraguay were drawn against Peru, Mexico and Brazil. In their opening fixture on 12 July, the fixture ended 3–3. On 15 July, Paraguay drew 0–0 with Mexico in their second group stage fixture. Paraguay then faced Brazil on 18 July in their last group stage fixture. Brazil won 3–1 and eliminated Paraguay, who had obtained just two points at the competition.

2002 FIFA World Cup

Paraguay began its 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in March 2000, suffering a 2–0 away defeat against Peru. One month later, they defeated Uruguay 1–0. On 3 June 2000, Paraguay secured a 3–1 home victory against Ecuador, before Paraguay were defeated 3–1 away against Chile. On 18 July 2000, Paraguay earned a 2–1 home victory against Brazil. Paraguay then drew the next two fixtures. Paraguay then earned four consecutive wins — against Venezuela, Colombia (2–0), Peru (5–1), and Uruguay (1–0) — to move into second position in qualifying.

Chilavert was a key figure during the qualifiers as Paraguay qualified for Korea-Japan 2002.

Paraguay fell 2–1 away against Ecuador. Paraguay defeated Chile 1–0. Paraguay were defeated 2–0 away against Brazil. Paraguay defeated Bolivia 5–1 at home. One month later Paraguay drew Argentina 2–2. Paraguay maintained second position in the table. Paraguay were then defeated 3–1 away against Venezuela and 4–0 against Colombia. Paraguay finished in fourth position after Round 18, with 30 points, qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Both José Saturnino Cardozo and Carlos Humberto Paredes were in the top 10 leading goal scorers of the qualifiers. Cardozo ranking fifth, with six goals in fourteen matches, and Paredes ranking tenth, having scored five goals in sixteen matches.

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	Spain	3	3	0	0	9	4	+5	9	Advance to knockout stage
2	Paraguay	3	1	1	1	6	6	0	4
3	South Africa	3	1	1	1	5	5	0	4
4	Slovenia	3	0	0	3	2	7	−5	0

Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

Paraguay came into the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament with most of their players from France 98, as José Luís Chilavert would captain the Albirroja at the tournament. Cesare Maldini's appointing as coach in January 2002 had caused controversy as domestic managers were overlooked (prompting the managers union to try to unsuccessfully expel him for immigration breaches).[10][11]

Paraguay were drawn into Group B with Spain, South Africa and Slovenia. The Albirroja would face South Africa in their opening group stage match on 2 June, with a match that tied at 2–2. Paraguay faced Spain in their next fixture on 7 June. Spain defeated Paraguay 3–1. In Paraguay's third group stage fixture against Slovenia, Paraguay won the match at 3–1. Although Paraguay and South Africa had finished with four points each, the Albirroja progressed due to goal difference.[12] Paraguay were then drawn against Germany at the round of 16 stages. Germany, who had been the more dominant side throughout the match, scored in the 88th minute to win the match, ending Paraguay's tournament.[13]

Nelson Haedo played at the 2004 Copa América.

2004 Copa América

Coach Carlos Jara Saguier took a relatively young squad to the 2004 Copa América, with the majority of players tied to clubs of the Primera División Paraguaya. Paraguay had been drawn into Group C, with Brazil, Costa Rica and Chile. A penalty sealed Paraguay's 1–0 victory in their first group-stage match against Costa Rica. Paraguay earned a 1–1 draw with Chile in the following match. In Paraguay's fixture against Brazil, Paraguay earned a 2–1 victory, which saw Paraguay top the group as undefeated, with seven points. Paraguay were drawn against Uruguay in the quarter-finals. A 3–1 Uruguay victory eliminated Paraguay from the competition.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Cardozo scored seven goals during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

Paraguay began the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification with three wins in their first four fixtures in 2003. After losing 4–1 to Peru, Paraguay notched consecutive wins against Uruguay (4–1), Chile (1–0) to reach first position of the table. In 2004, Paraguay drew 0–0 against Brazil and lost 2–1 to Bolivia. Paraguay got their only win of 2004 against Venezuela a 1–0. Paraguay ended the year with a 1–0 defeat against Uruguay. In 2005, Paraguay lost to Ecuador and then defeated Chile 2–1. In their next fixture, Brazil defeated Paraguay 4–1. Paraguay defeated Bolivia 4–1, and Argentina 1–0 for Paraguay's first official victory over Argentina. They defeated Venezuela 1–0. In round 18, Paraguay were defeated 1–0 at home against Colombia. Paraguay concluded the qualifiers in fourth position, qualifying for their third consecutive World Cup. José Cardozo finished second in goals scored with seven.

Paraguay against England at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	England	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	7	Advance to knockout stage
2	Sweden	3	1	2	0	3	2	+1	5
3	Paraguay	3	1	0	2	2	2	0	3
4	Trinidad and Tobago	3	0	1	2	0	4	−4	1

Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

Head coach Aníbal Ruiz took with him 8 European based players and 11 South American based players, including captain Carlos Gamarra, to Germany for the 2006 tournament. This was Paraguay's third consecutive FIFA World Cup tournament, and the team had experienced players within the side.

Paraguay were drawn into Group B alongside England, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago. Paraguay faced England in their opening group stage match on 10 June. England managed to hold onto a 1–0 lead to earn a victory. They faced Sweden on 15 June in a match which Sweden eliminated Paraguay after just two group-stage matches without the Albirroja scoring a single goal. Paraguay's only compensation came in their third and last group stage fixture on against Trinidad and Tobago on 20 June, Paraguay's 2–0 victory. Paraguay finished third in their group. Paraguay's group stage elimination made them the only South American national team which did not advance beyond the first round. Upon the conclusion of Paraguay's 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign, Aníbal Ruiz resigned as head coach and Raúl Vicente Amarilla was assigned as the interim coach.

Gerardo Martino became the new coach as of January 2007.[14]

Paraguay's national squad underwent a major transition after Germany 2006 because of the retirement of key players including José Luis Chilavert. In 2007, Argentine Gerardo "Tata" Martino was designated as head-coach.

2007 Copa América

Group C

Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Argentina	3	3	0	0	9	3	+6	9
Paraguay	3	2	0	1	8	2	+6	6
Colombia	3	1	0	2	3	9	−6	3
United States	3	0	0	3	2	8	−6	0

Source:

Gerardo Martino took with him a relatively experienced squad to Venezuela, with Darío Verón, Claudio Morel Rodríguez, Carlos Bonet, Julio Manzur, Paulo da Silva, Aureliano Torres, Roque Santa Cruz and captain Julio César Cáceres all re-appearing for the national team, and newcomers Enrique Vera, Óscar Cardozo and the Argentine-born Jonathan Santana were appearing for Paraguay in their first major tournaments. The competition also proved to be one of the last national team involvements from veteran Nelson Cuevas. Paraguay were drawn into Group C, alongside Argentina, Colombia, and the USA. In Paraguay's first fixture, they would defeat Colombia 5–0 after a hat-trick from Roque Santa Cruz and a double from Salvador Cabañas.[15] In Paraguay's second fixture against the USA, Édgar Barreto opened the scoring in the 29th minute just before the USA's Ricardo Clark would level the scores in the 35th minute. Paraguay would win the match 3–1 after a goal from Óscar Cardozo and a 92nd minute free kick from Salvador Cabañas would seal the game for the Albirroja.[16] With both Paraguay and Argentina having obtained six points and qualifying from beyond their Group C, the two teams faced in their last group stage fixture with a less strengthened side, Roque Santa Cruz, Édgar Barreto, Cristian Riveros and Paolo da Silva all commencing on the bench as Nelson Cuevas would gain his first appearance of the competition and Aldo Bobadilla would play a full 90-minutes of the fixture, replacing Justo Villar for the second time in the tournament. A 79th minute Javier Mascherano goal was enough to seal a 1–0 victory for Argentina,[17] as Paraguay advanced to the knock-out stages to face Mexico. Mexico had already beaten Brazil in the group stage and had finished in first place of their respective Group B with seven points. After Paraguayan goal keeper Aldo Bobadilla had earned a straight red card in the 3rd minute, Paraguay conceded a penalty in the 5th minute and eventually found themselves down 3–0 at half-time. Mexico would score another three more goals, thrashing Paraguay 6–0 and ending their Copa América campaign.[18]

2010 FIFA World Cup

Coach Gerardo Martino regarded Salvador Cabañas as the Albirroja's best player,[19] Martino also considered Cabañas as Paraguay's Lionel Messi.[20][21]

Paraguay commenced their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0–0 away draw against Peru.[22] Paraguay followed this draw with four consecutive wins — against Urugauay (1–0), Ecuador (5–1), Chile (3–0), and Brazil (2–0). These victories placed Paraguay in first position of the CONMEBOL table in four matches,[23][24] and Paraguay remained in first position of the CONMEBOL table for nine consecutive rounds (from round 4 to round 12). Paraguay lost for the first time in qualifying in a 4–2 away defeat against Bolivia.[25]

Paraguay travelled to Argentina.[26] 1–1 was how it finished. Days later, a 2–0 home victory against Venezuela as Paraguay remained in first position of the CONMEBOL table.[27] Paraguay then earned two 1–0 victories against Colombia and Peru.[28][29] The results keeping Paraguay in first place of the CONMEBOL table as 2008 concluded. Paraguay's qualification campaign in 2009 commenced with a 2–0 away loss against Uruguay[30] and a 1–1 away draw against Ecuador,[31] By June, Paraguay suffered a 2–0 home defeat at the hands of Chile,[32] Paraguay were defeated 2–1 away against Brazil.[33] In the last four matches of the qualification campaign, where which three of the four fixtures would be played at home, Paraguay earned a 1–0 home victory against Bolivia.[34] Qualification was secured in the next fixture against Argentina on 9 September, when Paraguay won 1–0.[35] Paraguay concluded the qualification campaign with a 2–1 away victory against Venezuela and a 2–0 home loss against Colombia.[36][37] Paraguay concluded the qualification campaign with 33 points, as Salvador Cabañas finished in sixth position of the leading goal scorers, having scored six goals.

The Albirroja vs. Italy on 14 June 2010

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	Paraguay	3	1	2	0	3	1	+2	5	Advance to knockout stage
2	Slovakia	3	1	1	1	4	5	−1	4
3	New Zealand	3	0	3	0	2	2	0	3
4	Italy	3	0	2	1	4	5	−1	2

Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Tie-breaking criteria

Paraguay had an experienced side with Roque Santa Cruz, Édgar Barreto, Carlos Bonet, Enrique Vera, Cristian Riveros, Nelson Valdez and Paulo da Silva. Paraguay had qualified for their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup, and the 2010 edition proved to be a record fourth consecutive World Cup for Denis Caniza. The final squad consisted of 9 European based players.[38] Paraguay were drawn into Group F alongside Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand. Paraguay faced Italy in their opening match and drew 1–1, after taking the lead in the 39th minute.[39] They then beat Slovakia 2–0[40] and played out a 0–0 draw with New Zealand, to finish first in the group.[41]

Paraguay were drawn against Japan in the second round, and won a penalty shoot-out 5–3 after a 0–0 draw.[42] The win meant that Paraguay advanced to the last eight for the first time. The Albirroja were drawn against Spain at the quarter-final stage. Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar saved a penalty kick, but Spain scored in the 83rd minute to win 1–0, and went on to win the tournament.[43] After the match, Gerardo Martino stated that he would be leaving his position at the end of his contract.

2011 Copa América

Paraguay's Justo Villar was voted best goalkeeper of the 2011 Copa America.

At the 2011 Copa America, Paraguay were drawn into Group B with Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador. Paraguay drew their opening group stage match 0–0 with Ecuador. Paraguay leveled with Brazil 2–2, as Paraguay would settle for their second draw of the tournament. Paraguay played out a 3–3 draw with Venezuela. Paraguay concluded the group stage phase with three points from three matches, as the group's third-place finisher and the competition's second-best third-place finisher in the group stage. Paraguay were drawn against Brazil at the quarter final stages. The match was decided via a penalty shoot out. Paraguay won the penalty shoot out 2–0. Paraguay then faced Venezuela in the semi-final. Paraguay won 5–3 via their second consecutive penalty shoot out, to send Paraguay to the final. Paraguay faced Uruguay in the final, the first time that Paraguay reached the final since the 1979 Copa América. Paraguay lost 3–0. Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar was awarded as the Best goalkeeper of the tournament. Gerardo Martino resigned soon afterwards as coach of the Albirroja.

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Francisco Arce was in charge of the Albirroja in 2011, following the departure of Gerardo Martino.

Francisco Arce took charge of the national team for the qualifiers. In Rounds 1 and 2 in October 2011, Paraguay were defeated 2–0 away.[44] Four days later, Paraguay drew with Uruguay 1–1. Paraguay earned their first win of the qualifiers when they defeated Ecuador 2–1.[45] Fourth position was the highest ranking that Paraguay achieved throughout the qualifiers, as the national team faced a series of losses.

Paraguay were defeated 2–0 against Chile and 3–1 to Bolivia.[46] Francisco Arce departed as coach in 2012 after Paraguay's loss against Bolivia, and was replaced by Gerardo Pelusso. Paraguay were defeated 3–1 against Argentina, 2–0 against Venezuela, and 2–0 against Colombia.[47] This string of losses placed Paraguay at the bottom of the table.

Roque Santa Cruz scored his 26th goal, becoming Paraguay's leading career scorer.

Paraguay ended their losing streak when they defeated Peru 1–0, only their second win of the qualifiers.[48] Paraguay's then tied Uruguay 1–1.[49] Paraguay were defeated 4–1 against Ecuador.[50] In Round 13, Paraguay lost 2–1 to Chile in a match where Roque Santa Cruz's goal brought his tally to 26 which made him the all-time leading goal scorer of the Paraguayan national team's history.[51] By this time, Gerardo Pelusso had departed and coach Víctor Genes would ultimately be in charge until the qualifiers were concluded. Paraguay next defeated Bolivia 4–0.[52] However, a 5–2 defeat against Argentina officially eliminated Paraguay from qualifying.

Paraguay's last two matches in October 2013 saw then face Venezuela and Colombia. The match concluded 1–1. In Paraguay's last fixture of the qualifiers in Round 18, they lost to Colombia 2–1. Paraguay finished in ninth position of the table, having gained just 12 points from three wins and having been defeated ten times.[53] The 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign proved to be unsuccessful. Throughout the duration of the qualifiers, Paraguay changed coaches three times.

2015 Copa América

Paraguay's campaign in the 2015 Copa América was much more successful than their qualifying campaign to Brazil. In this competition, Paraguay made it to the semi-finals, defeating Brazil in quarter-finals via penalty shootouts, after the score being 1–1, although they were eliminated by Argentina, by a score of 6–1.[54]

2016 Copa América Centenario

Prior to the competition, the Paraguayan press had labeled Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Haedo, Paulo da Silva and Justo Villar as histórics, being the only four experienced and veteran players in the squad selected for the competition.[55][56] Santa Cruz suffered an injured and was later replaced by Antonio Sanabria.[57]

Following an unsuccessful campaign, Ramón Díaz announced his resignation as coach of the Albirroja in a press conference at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco after returning to the country.[58][59] He had already received criticism from former Albirroja great José Luís Chilavert, who stated that the team was managed based on "friendship" in the federation due to corruption and opined that Díaz is more of an office person.[60][61][62] José Cardozo, former Albirroja leading goal scorer and current coach of Chiapas in Mexico, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the Albirroja. He stated that: "There are players that do not even know our national anthem" and "We used to play until we would suffer severe injuries, and we performed because we loved the Albirroja. Today, someone has pain in their stomach and does not want to train". "Carlos Gamarra and Francisco Arce played many times with busted ankles, and I once played with a damaged knee" remembered Cardozo.[63] Former Albirroja World Cup veteran Celso Ayala spoke to HOY.com and mentioned that "Any team beats us. In the Albirroja, we've stopped kicking, blocking and heading. Uruguay, for instance, never forgets about its roots, and we have to be like them".[64]

Team image

Paraguay traditionally wears red and white shirts and blue shorts and socks and away colours are originally blue but they wear all white since they wear manufactured by German brand Puma after their termination from the Adidas brand. They never used their away colours when they were playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Kit provider	Period
Adidas	1979–1985
Rainha	1986
Sportman	1987–1990
Textil Paraná	1991–1992
Ennerre	1993–1994
Reebok	1995–1998
Puma	1999–2006
Adidas	2007–2019
Puma	2020–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place  

FIFA World Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930	Group stage	9th	2	1	0	1	1	3	Squad		Qualified as invitees
1934	Did not enter										Declined participation
1938
1950	Group stage	11th	2	0	1	1	2	4	Squad		Qualified automatically
1954	Did not qualify										4	2	0	2	8	6
1958	Group stage	12th	3	1	1	1	9	12	Squad		4	3	0	1	11	4
1962	Did not qualify										2	0	1	1	0	1
1966											4	1	1	2	3	5
1970											6	4	0	2	6	5
1974											4	2	1	1	8	5
1978											4	1	2	1	3	3
1982											4	1	0	3	3	6
1986	Round of 16	13th	4	1	2	1	4	6	Squad		8	3	3	2	14	8
1990	Did not qualify										4	2	0	2	6	7
1994											6	1	4	1	6	7
1998	Round of 16	14th	4	1	2	1	3	2	Squad		16	9	2	5	21	14
2002		16th	4	1	1	2	6	7	Squad		18	9	3	6	29	23
2006	Group stage	18th	3	1	0	2	2	2	Squad		18	8	4	6	23	23
2010	Quarter-finals	8th	5	1	3	1	3	2	Squad		18	10	3	5	24	16
2014	Did not qualify										16	3	3	10	17	31
2018											18	7	3	8	19	25
2022	To be determined										In progress
2026											To be determined
Total	Quarter-finals	8/21	27	7	10	10	30	38	—		154	66	30	58	201	189

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Copa América

South American Championship / Copa América record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad
1916	Did not enter
1917
1919
1920
1921	Fourth place	4th	3	1	0	2	2	7	Squad
1922	Runners-up	2nd	4	2	1	1	5	3	Squad
1923	Third place	3rd	3	1	0	2	4	6	Squad
1924	Third place	3rd	3	1	1	1	4	4	Squad
1925	Third place	3rd	4	0	0	4	4	13	Squad
1926	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	8	20	Squad
1927	Did not enter
1929	Runners-up	2nd	3	2	0	1	9	4	Squad
1935	Did not enter
1937	Fourth place	4th	5	2	0	3	8	16	Squad
1939	Third place	3rd	4	2	0	2	9	8	Squad
1941	Did not enter
1942	Fourth place	4th	6	2	2	2	11	10	Squad
1945	Did not enter
1946	Third place	3rd	5	2	1	2	8	8	Squad
1947	Runners-up	2nd	7	5	1	1	16	11	Squad
1949	Runners-up	2nd	8	6	0	2	21	13	Squad
1953	Champions	1st	7	4	2	1	14	8	Squad
1955	Fifth place	5th	5	1	1	3	7	14	Squad
1956	Fifth place	5th	5	0	2	3	3	8	Squad
1957	Did not enter
1959	Third place	3rd	6	3	0	3	12	12	Squad
1959	Fifth place	5th	4	0	1	3	6	11	Squad
1963	Runners-up	2nd	6	4	1	1	13	7	Squad
1967	Fourth place	4th	5	2	0	3	9	13	Squad
1975	Group stage	7th	4	1	1	2	5	5	Squad
1979	Champions	1st	6	3	3	0	9	3	Squad
1983	Third place	3rd	2	0	2	0	1	1	Squad
1987	Group stage	9th	2	0	1	1	0	3	Squad
1989	Fourth place	4th	7	3	1	3	9	10	Squad
1991	Group stage	6th	4	2	0	2	7	8	Squad
1993	Quarter-finals	8th	4	1	1	2	2	7	Squad
1995	Quarter-finals	6th	4	2	1	1	6	5	Squad
1997	Quarter-finals	7th	4	1	1	2	2	5	Squad
1999	Quarter-finals	6th	4	2	2	0	6	1	Squad
2001	Group stage	10th	3	0	2	1	4	6	Squad
2004	Quarter-finals	5th	4	2	1	1	5	5	Squad
2007	Quarter-finals	5th	4	2	0	2	8	8	Squad
2011	Runners-up	2nd	6	0	5	1	5	8	Squad
2015	Fourth place	4th	6	1	3	2	6	12	Squad
2016	Group stage	12th	3	0	1	2	1	3	Squad
2019	Quarter-finals	8th	4	0	3	1	3	4	Squad
2021	Qualified
2024	Qualified
Total	2 Titles	37/46	168	61	41	66	252	290	—

Pan American Games

Pan American Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1951	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	5	14
1955	Did not participate
1959
1963
1967
1971
1975
1979
1983
1987	Preliminary round	9th	3	0	2	1	1	8
1991	Did not qualify
1995	Quarter-finals	7th	4	2	0	2	4	3
Since 1999	See Paraguay national under-23 football team
Total	Fourth place	3/12	11	3	2	6	10	25

All-time head-to-head record

Below is a result summary of all matches Paraguay have played against FIFA recognized teams.[65]

As of 17 November 2020

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

Opponents	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Win %
Argentina	104	16	34	54	111	216	-105	15.3%
Armenia	2	1	0	1	3	2	+1	50%
Australia	5	0	3	2	2	4	-2	0%
Austria	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Bahrain	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	100%
Belgium	3	1	1	1	3	3	0	33.3%
Bolivia	67	34	18	15	131	69	+62	50.7%
Bosnia and Herzegovina	1	1	0	0	3	0	+3	100%
Brazil	80	11	22	47	67	173	−106	13.7%
Bulgaria	2	1	1	0	1	0	+1	50%
Cameroon	1	1	0	0	2	1	+1	100%
Canada	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Chile	62	28	7	27	89	87	+2	45.1%
China PR	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	33.3%
Colombia	45	18	7	20	51	54	-3	40%
Costa Rica	9	3	3	3	6	5	+1	33.3%
Czech Republic	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0%
Denmark	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0%
Ecuador	38	21	6	11	69	49	+21	55.2%
El Salvador	6	6	0	0	11	1	+10	100%
England	3	0	0	3	0	8	-8	0%
France	5	0	2	3	4	14	-10	0%
Georgia	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Germany	2	0	1	1	3	4	-1	0%
Greece	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Guadeloupe	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Guatemala	11	9	2	0	25	10	+15	81.8%
Honduras	7	2	4	1	9	6	+3	37.5%
Hong Kong	2	1	1	0	8	1	+7	50%
Hungary	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0%
Indonesia	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1	100%
Iran	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0%
Iraq	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Italy	3	0	1	2	2	6	-4	0%
Ivory Coast	2	0	2	0	3	3	0	0%
Jamaica	6	4	0	2	11	7	+4	66.6%
Japan	10	2	4	4	9	11	-2	20%
Jordan	1	1	0	0	4	2	+2	100%
Martinique	1	1	0	0	2	0	+2	100%
Mexico	20	4	5	11	16	37	-21	20%
Netherlands	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2	0%
New Zealand	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	66.6%
Nigeria	2	1	1	0	4	2	+2	50%
North Korea	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
North Macedonia	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Norway	1	0	1	0	2	2	0	0%
Oman	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1	100%
Panama	5	4	1	0	9	1	+8	80%
Peru	54	24	14	16	75	61	+14	44.4%
Poland	1	1	0	0	4	0	+4	100%
Portugal	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Qatar	4	1	2	1	6	5	+1	25%
Republic of Ireland	2	0	0	2	1	4	−3	0%
Romania	2	1	0	1	4	3	+1	50%
Saudi Arabia	3	0	3	0	1	1	0	0%
Scotland	1	1	0	0	3	2	+1	100%
Serbia[lower-alpha 1]	4	1	1	2	6	6	0	25%
Slovakia	2	1	1	0	3	1	+2	50%
Slovenia	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2	100%
South Africa	5	1	3	1	6	7	−1	20%
South Korea	7	2	3	2	8	7	+1	28.5%
Spain	4	0	2	2	1	4	−3	0%
Sweden	3	1	1	1	4	4	0	33.3%
Togo	1	1	0	0	4	2	+2	100%
Trinidad and Tobago	3	1	2	0	5	3	+2	33.3%
Turkey	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
United Arab Emirates	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
United States	8	2	2	4	6	10	−4	25%
Uruguay	74	25	18	31	94	114	-20	33.7%
Venezuela	26	17	5	4	47	22	+25	65.3%
Wales	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0%
Total (71)	738	264	196	278	968	1050	-82	35.7%

1. Includes matches against  Yugoslavia.

Results and fixtures

  Win   Draw   Loss

2019

14 November Friendly	Bulgaria	0–1	Paraguay	Sofia, Bulgaria
19:00		Report	Almirón  60'	Stadium: Vasil Levski National Stadium Attendance: 500

19 November Friendly	Saudi Arabia	0–0	Paraguay	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
19:30 UTC+3		Report		Stadium: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium Referee: Ali Al Samahiji (Bahrain)

2020

8 October 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying	Paraguay	2–2	Peru	Asunción, Paraguay
19:30 UTC−3	Romero  67', 81'	Report	Carrillo  52', 85'	Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco Referee: Néstor Pitana (Argentina)

13 October 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying	Venezuela	0–1	Paraguay	Mérida, Venezuela
18:00 UTC−4		Report	Giménez  85'	Stadium: Estadio Metropolitano de Mérida Referee: Andrés Rojas (Colombia)

12 November 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying	Argentina	1–1	Paraguay	Buenos Aires, Argentina
21:00 UTC−3	González  41'	Report	Á. Romero  21' (pen.)	Stadium: Estadio Alberto J. Armando Attendance: 0 Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)

17 November 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying	Paraguay	2–2	Bolivia	Asunción, Paraguay
20:00 UTC−3	Á. Romero  19' (pen.) Kaku  72'	Report	Moreno  41' B. Céspedes  45'	Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco Attendance: 0 Referee: Alexis Herrera (Venezuela)

2021

25 March 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Chile

v

Paraguay

30 March 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Colombia

27 May Friendly

Paraguay

v

TBD

3 June 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Uruguay

v

Paraguay

8 June 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Brazil

12 June 2021 Copa América Group A	Paraguay	v	Bolivia	Mendoza
				Stadium: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas

16 June 2021 Copa América Group A	Paraguay	v	Australia	La Plata
				Stadium: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata

19 June 2021 Copa América Group A	Argentina	v	Paraguay	Buenos Aires
				Stadium: Estadio Monumental

23 June 2021 Copa América Group A	Chile	v	Paraguay	Santiago del Estero
				Stadium: Estadio Único

27 June 2021 Copa América Group A	Uruguay	v	Paraguay	Santiago del Estero
				Stadium: Estadio Único

2 September 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Ecuador

v

Paraguay

7 September 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Venezuela

7 October 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Argentina

12 October 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Bolivia

v

Paraguay

11 November 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Chile

16 November 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Colombia

v

Paraguay

2022

27 January 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Uruguay

2 February 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Brazil

v

Paraguay

24 March 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Paraguay

v

Ecuador

29 March 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Peru

v

Paraguay

Players

Current squad

The following 21 players were selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia on 12 and 17 November 2020, respectively.[66]
Caps and goals current as of 13 November 2020 after the match against Argentina.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	GK	Antony Silva	27 February 1984	32	0	Puebla
12	GK	Alfredo Aguilar	18 July 1988	2	0	Olimpia
22	GK	Miguel Martínez	29 September 1998	0	0	Cerro Porteño
15	DF	Gustavo Gómez (captain)	6 May 1993	45	3	Palmeiras
6	DF	Júnior Alonso	9 February 1993	32	1	Atlético Mineiro
4	DF	Fabián Balbuena	23 August 1991	17	0	West Ham United
	DF	Santiago Arzamendia	5 May 1998	8	0	Cerro Porteño
13	DF	Juan Escobar	3 July 1995	6	0	Cruz Azul
2	DF	Robert Rojas	30 April 1996	5	1	River Plate
3	DF	Omar Alderete	26 December 1996	3	0	Hertha BSC
	DF	Alberto Espínola	8 February 1991	3	0	Cerro Porteño
21	MF	Óscar Romero	4 July 1992	46	4	San Lorenzo
10	MF	Miguel Almirón	10 February 1994	29	2	Newcastle United
18	MF	Rodrigo Rojas	9 April 1988	28	0	Olimpia
8	MF	Richard Sánchez	29 March 1996	14	1	América
20	MF	Matías Rojas	3 November 1995	8	0	Racing
23	MF	Mathías Villasanti	24 January 1997	8	0	Cerro Porteño
5	MF	Gastón Giménez	27 July 1991	4	1	Chicago Fire
16	MF	Ángel Cardozo	19 October 1994	4	0	Cerro Porteño
14	MF	Jorge Morel	22 January 1998	4	0	Guaraní
17	FW	Hernán Pérez	25 February 1989	40	2	Al-Ahli
11	FW	Ángel Romero	4 July 1992	24	6	San Lorenzo
9	FW	Antonio Sanabria	4 March 1996	21	1	Torino
19	FW	Darío Lezcano	30 June 1990	20	4	Juárez
7	FW	Raúl Bobadilla	10 June 1987	11	0	Guaraní
	FW	Alejandro Romero Gamarra	11 January 1995	6	3	Al-Taawoun
	FW	Braian Samudio	23 December 1995	4	0	Çaykur Rizespor
	FW	Sebastián Ferreira	13 February 1998	0	0	Libertad

Recent call-ups

The following players have received a call-up within the past 12 months:

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Roberto Fernández	29 March 1988	17	0	Botafogo	v.  Argentina, 13 November 2020 ^INJ
GK	Gerardo Ortíz	25 March 1989	0	0	Once Caldas	v.  Argentina, 13 November 2020 ^PRE
DF	Blás Riveros	3 February 1998	9	0	Brøndby	v.  Argentina, 13 November 2020 ^INJ
DF	Juan Gabriel Patiño	20 May 1989	3	0	Cerro Porteño	v.  Venezuela, 13 October 2020
DF	Bruno Valdez	6 October 1992	30	1	América	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
DF	Jorge Moreira	1 February 1990	19	0	River Plate	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
DF	Saúl Salcedo	30 April 1996	1	0	Huracán	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
DF	Víctor Velázquez	17 April 1991	0	0	Juárez	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
MF	Andrés Cubas	22 May 1996	3	0	Nîmes	v.  Argentina, 13 November 2020 ^INJ
MF	Celso Ortiz	26 January 1989	22	0	Monterrey	v.  Venezuela, 13 October 2020
MF	Cristhian Paredes	18 May 1998	6	0	Portland Timbers	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
MF	Robert Piris Da Motta	26 July 1994	6	0	Gençlerbirliği	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
MF	Ramón Martínez	4 January 1996	4	0	Libertad	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
MF	William Mendieta	9 January 1989	2	0	Juárez	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Lorenzo Melgarejo	10 August 1990	3	0	Racing	v.  Argentina, 13 November 2020 ^PRE
FW	Adam Bareiro	26 July 1996	0	0	Alanyaspor	v.  Venezuela, 13 October 2020
FW	Federico Santander	4 June 1991	20	2	Bologna	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Juan Iturbe	4 June 1993	12	0	UNAM	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Carlos González	3 February 1993	1	0	UANL	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Jesús Medina	30 April 1997	1	0	New York City	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Luis Amarilla	25 August 1995	0	0	Minnesota United	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Blas Armoa	3 February 2000	0	0	Juárez	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
FW	Erik López	27 November 2001	0	0	Atlanta United	v.  Peru, 8 October 2020 ^PRE
^INJ Withdrew due to injury ^PRE Preliminary squad ^RET Retired from the national team ^SUS Suspended

Technical staff

Head coach: Eduardo Berizzo[67]

Records

As of 17 November 2020

Players in bold are still active, at least at club level.

Most caps[68] # Player Caps Goals Career 1 Paulo da Silva 148 3 2000–2017 2 Justo Villar 120 0 1999–2018 3 Roque Santa Cruz 112 32 1999–2016 4 Carlos Gamarra 110 12 1993–2006 5 Cristian Riveros 101 16 2005–2018 6 Denis Caniza 100 1 1996–2010 Roberto Acuña 5 1993–2011 8 Celso Ayala 85 6 1993–2003 9 José Saturnino Cardozo 82 25 1991–2006 10 Carlos Bonet 80 1 2002–2013

Top goalscorers[68] # Player Goals Caps Career 1 Roque Santa Cruz 32 112 1999–2016 2 José Saturnino Cardozo 25 82 1991–2006 3 Cristian Riveros 16 101 2005–2018 4 Saturnino Arrúa 13 26 1969–1980 Julio César Romero 13 32 1979–1986 Nelson Haedo Valdez 13 77 2004–2017 7 Gerardo Rivas 12 32 1921–1926 Carlos Gamarra 12 110 1993–2006 Óscar Cardozo 12 54 2006– 10 Miguel Ángel Benítez 11 29 1996–1999 Roberto Cabañas 11 28 1981–1993

Honours

Official

• South American Championship / Copa América:
  • Champions (2): 1953, 1979
  • Runners-up (6): 1922, 1929, 1947, 1949, 1963, 2011
  • Third place (7): 1923, 1924, 1925, 1939, 1946, 1959 (Argentina), 1983
  • Fourth place (7): 1921, 1926, 1937, 1942, 1967, 1989, 2015
• Pan American Games:
  • Fourth place (1): 1951

Friendly

• Lunar New Year Cup (1): 1986 [69]

See also

• Paraguay national under-23 football team
• Paraguay national under-20 football team
• Paraguay national under-17 football team
• Paraguay national futsal team
• Football in Paraguay

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46. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Bolivia-Paraguay – Report". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
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50. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Ecuador-Paraguay – Report". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
51. "Paraguay – Chile 1:2 (0:1)". FIFA.com. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
52. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Bolivia – Report". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
53. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Paraguay-Colombia – Report". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
54. "Copa América. History". conmebol.com. CONMEBOL. 1 July 2015.
55. "FÚTBOL-DT Díaz agradece a "históricos" de la selección paraguaya en despedida tras renuncia". ar.reuters.com (in Spanish). Reuters. 15 June 2016.
56. "Roque Santa Cruz se ilusiona con "la asignatura pendiente" de los históricos". lanacion.com.py (in Spanish). La Nación. 9 May 2016.
57. "Tonny Sanabria por Roque Santa Cruz". abc.com.py (in Spanish). ABC Color. 13 May 2016.
58. "Ramón Díaz renuncia como entrenador de la Albirroja". d10.paraguay.com (in Spanish). D10.COM.PY. 12 June 2016.
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69. Lunar New Year Cup at the RSSSF

External links

• Official site of the Paraguayan Football Association
• Paraguay FIFA profile
• RSSSF archive of results 1919–2004
• Planet World Cup archive of results in the World Cup
• Planet World Cup archive of squads in the World Cup
• Planet World Cup archive of results in the World Cup qualifiers
• Paraguayan Football Site