PARAGUAY: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Paraguayans ecstatic with World Cup win despite drab performance

Record ID: 449588

  • Title: PARAGUAY: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Paraguayans ecstatic with World Cup win despite drab performance
  • Date: 25th June 2010
  • Summary: FANS DANCING
  • Embargoed: 10th July 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Paraguay
  • Country: Paraguay
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVACUWUC2QCGWPK2REX5OVSMM08U
  • Story Text: Paraguayan fans cheered on their team as they passed through into the second round of the World Cup on Thursday (June 24).
    It was a fairly drab match, ending in a goalless draw against New Zealand, but the enthusiasm in the capital Asuncion was close to something seen during a tournament final.
    Paraguay have not gone beyond the second round in seven previous World Cup campaigns and they are now daring to dream.
    "Wow, incredible. I always said Paraguay was going to come out first. Come on Paraguay! We are the best. Go Paraguay!" said one fan, Marco Vera.
    Painted in Paraguay's red and white team colors, everyone from businessmen to construction workers and housewives tensely followed the match from bars and restaurants across the city.
    Large public screens were also put up in Democracy Plaza, gathering a crowd of hundreds.
    Even Congress was shut down for the day.
    Congressional sessions were called off so the parliamentarians could watch the match.
    Paraguay knew that a point would be enough to see them into the second round but the team showed little ambition to go beyond that minimum requirement while New Zealand defended well but lacked creativity going forward.
    Coach Gerardo Martino was unimpressed but fans at home seemed unconcerned.
    Often cast as underdogs amongst Latin America's illustrious soccer nations, Paraguay have a feeling their shot at glory is finally within grasp.
    "The best player in the team was [Edgar] "Little Birdie" Benitez, who came on and got the team moving. Good match planning by [coach] Tata Martino," said Paraguayan fan Benjamin Zotti.
    "We've got the next round to go and that is when we will have to show the fight that is Paraguay," said another fan, Edgar Rivas.
    Paraguay goes through with Slovakia from Group F.
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