One week after being shot in the head at point-blank range in the toilet of a luxurious Mexico City bar, Paraguayan striker Salvador Cabanas has made a remarkable recovery. After the shooting it seemed that Cabanas was on his death bed, however, he has remained strong, and has been able to communicate with family members. [...]

Despite fielding several reserves, Cerro Porteno edged rivals Olimpia 2-1 in the 17th round of the Paraguayan Clausura championship.
Olimpia went ahead through Uruguayan midfielder Martin Liguera in the 21st minute, but Jorge Nunez drew Cerro Porteno level in the 34th minute. Argentine striker Roberto Nanni handed El Ciclon the three points when he scored in [...]

Paraguay were given a major reality check ahead of the 2010 World Cup, after losing 2-0 to Qatar in a friendly match that took place in the French city of Rouen on Friday. Los Guaranies lacked quality in their game and were beaten after conceding two second half goals.
It was Paraguay´s second consecutive defeat after [...]

Libertad and Nacional, who share top spot of the Paraguayan Clausura championship, were both beaten on the weekend. Libertad suffered a 2-1 defeat to 3 de Febrero and Nacional lost 4-3 to Tacuary.
Libertad couldn´t make the most of their home field advantage and were beaten by lowly 3 de Febrero. Emilio Garcete put the visitors [...]

Libertad share Paraguayan league leadership with Nacional, after thrashing 12 de Octubre 3-0.
Javier Gonzalez scored twice for Libertad, and Uruguayan midfielder Omar Pouso converted their other goal.
Nacional lost 2-1 to 2 de Mayo and failed to remain top of the standings on their own after 14 rounds of the Clausura championship.
Nacional went ahead through Ramon [...]

Cerro Porteno progressed to the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Goias in Brazil on Thursday. The Paraguayans went through on the away goals rule after winning 2-0 in Asuncion last week.
Goias started strongly and they went ahead right before half-time with a strike from Felipe. The striker met a [...]

It seems like an obvious fact, but it’s still amazing: No World Cup has ever been won by a country outside of Europe or South America. In fact, nine of the 17 finals have been battles between representatives of each continent.
This year’s Cup isn’t likely to be any different. In fact, the majority of the [...]

By Gregory Sica, SI.com
FIFA world ranking: No. 33.
How they qualified for Germany: Finished 8-4-6 for fourth place in CONMEBOL qualifying, with the same point total as Ecuador but an inferior goal differential.
Previous World Cups: Six appearances (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002). Reached the final 16 in ‘98, ‘02.
Manager: Aníbal Ruiz, fourth year with team.
Key players
Nelson [...]