When you think of the Paraguay national team, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘wildcard’. A country rich in soccer tradition, it’s been a mixed bag for them lately. In 2013 they endured the embarrassing scenario of finishing dead last in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying process. However, just two years later during this past Copa America in 2015, they made a surprising run all the way to the semifinals. They even beat world powerhouse Brazil on their way to the last four. Paraguay are a team that can surprise pretty much anyone, but they can also disappoint with the best of them.

By the Numbers

World Ranking: 39
Copa America Record: 22W-27D-19L
Best Copa America Finish: 1st in 1979
Top Goal Scorer: Nelson Valdez (13)

Recent Form:
1-0 L vs. Mexico – Friendly
2-2 D vs. Brazil – WCQ
2-2 D at Ecuador – WCQ
2-1 W at Bolivia – WCQ
1-0 L at Peru – WCQ

2016 Paraguay Home Jersey

Key Players

It’s safe to say that Paraguay don’t rely on any star players but work as a collective group to find success. They only have one player on their roster (Seattle Sounders’ Nelson Valdez) who has double digit goals. One new exciting recruit they’ve brought in is Juan Iturbe. The Argentina-born forward has plies his trade with Bournemouth in the Premier League and has Serie A experience. The 23-year-old has flip-flopped between Argentina and Paraguay several times, finally deciding to commit to the latter in early 2016. He’s a pacey winger who can put pressure on an opponent’s back line.

Group Stage Schedule

Paraguay have a very difficult group to contend with. Fellow South Americans Colombia look like the group favorites, while the USA and Costa Rica look like menacing opponents too.

• Saturday, June 4 — Paraguay vs. Costa Rica, 5:00 p.m. ET — FOX
• Tuesday, June 7 — Colombia vs. Paraguay, 10:00 p.m. ET — Fox Sports 1
• Saturday, June 11 — United States vs. Paraguay, 7:00 p.m. ET — Fox Sports 1

Closing Thoughts

Being lumped into possibly the most difficult group of the Copa America Centenario didn’t do Paraguay any favors. As the lowest ranked team in the group they’ll be considered the underdogs. They’ll always have the capability to surprise some teams, but they’ll need some fortune to fall their way this summer if they’re to escape their group.