Paraguay National Team

There are not many Paraguayan players have become a top legend in the South American continent. Manuel Fleitas Solich is its first true legend, starting at the first half 1920s and soon succeed by Aurelio Gonzalez who shined in the late 1920s. In the second half 1930s saw Arsenio Erico as  phenomenon scorer and the best strikers in the World but was unlucky to never played official games for Paraguay. It spent around four decades to produce another world-class star Julio Cesar Romero. Paraguay conducted as one of the toughest defensive game in the World in the late 1990s led by Jose Luis Chilavert. Manuel Fleitas Solich was a legendary football player and manager and he will be selected in both roles for this team.



Paraguay

Location : South America
Copa America Participation :  33 Times
World Cup Participation : 8 Times (1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010)
Achievement : 2 Times Copa America Winner (1953, 1979)
Most Caps : Carlos Gamarra (110 Games)
Top Scorer :  Jose Cardoso (25 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Arsenio Erico




All-Time Paraguayan Squad


1. Jose Luis Chilavert

Date Of Birth  :  27 July 1965
Position   : Goalkeeper, Height : 189 cm
Major Club : Velez Sarsfield, Caps : 74 Games
World Cup Participation  : 1998, 2002 (7 Games)           
Club Honours  :  3 Times Argentina Champion
1 Time Uruguay Champion, 1 Time Paraguay Champion
1994 Copa Libertadores Cup, 1994 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours  :  None
Individual Achievement : 6 Times South American Goalkeeper Of The Year
3 Times IFFHS World Best Goalkeeper (1995, 1997, 1998)
2 Times Third Place IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper of The Year
1996 Argentina League Player Of The Year
1996 South American Footballer Of The Year,2 Times Bronze Ball (1997,1998)
                                                       Velez Sarsfield Greatest Player Ever
                                                       Class : Queen Silver

2. Francisco Arce 

Date Of Birth  : 2 April 1971
Height : 178 cm, Position  :  Right-Wing-Back
Major Club  :  Gremio, Palmeiras
Caps  :  61 Games
World Cup Participation  : 1998, 2002 (7 Game)
Club Honours  : 3 Times Paraguayan League
1 Time Brazil National Championship
2 Times Brazil State Championship
2 Times Brazilian Cup, 1995 Libertadores Cup
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  : 7 Times South American Team of the Year
1999 Silver Ball South American Footballer of The Year
                                                       Class :  Prince Silver

3. Juan Bautista Torales

Date Of Birth  :  9 March 1956
Position   :  Left-Back
Height   :  173 cm
Major Club :  Libertad
Caps  : 77 Games
World Cup Participation  : 1986
Club Honours :  None
International Honours :  None
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class  : Prince Bronze

4. Heriberto Herrera

Date Of Birth  :  24 April 1926
Position  :  Center-Back
Height  :  Unknown
Major Club  :  Atletico Madrid
Caps  :  Unknown
World Cup Participation  :  None
Club Honours  : 1 Time Paraguayan League
International Honours  : 1953 Copa America Winner
Individual Achievement : 1953 Copa America Best Player
Class :  Prince Silver

5. Carlos Gamarra

Date Of Birth  :  17 February 1971
Height :  181 cm, Position : Center-Back
Caps  : 110 Games, Major Club  : Cerro Porteno
World Cup Participation  : 1998, 2002 (11 Games)
Club Honours  : 1 Time Paraguayan League
1 Time Brazil National Championship
3 Times Brazil State Championship
1 Time Greek Cup, 1 Time Copa Italia
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1998 CONMEBOL Best Defender
2 Times Paraguayan Footballer of The Year
5 Times South American Team of the Year
1998 Silver Ball South American Footballer of The Year
                                                         Class :  Prince Silver

6. Juan Vicente Lezcano 

Date Of Birth  : 5 April 1937
Height : 175 cm, Position  : Center-Back
Major Club : Olimpia, Penarol
World Cup Participation  : 1958  
Club Honours : 5 Times Paraguayan League
6 Times Uruguayan League
2 Times Copa Libertadores Cup (1961, 1966)
3 Times Copa Libertadores Cup Runner-Up (1960, 1962, 1965)
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1961, 1966)
International Honours  : None
Individual Achievement :   None
Class  : Prince Silver

7. Manuel Fleitas Solich 

Date Of Birth  : 30 December 1900
Height : 193 cm, Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Major Club  : Club Nacional, Boca Juniors
Caps : 32 Games     
World Cup Participation :  None
Club Honours  : 2 Times Paraguayan League
1 Time Argentinian League
International Honours :  None
Individual Achievement :  None
Class :  Prince Gold


8. Julio Cesar Romero

Date Of Birth : 28 August 1960
Position : Playmaking-Attacking Midfielder
Height : 185 cm, Caps  : 32 Games
Major Club  :  Fluminese
World Cup Participation : 1986 (4 Games/2 Goals)
Club Honours : 2 Times NASL Champions
1 Time Brazil National Championship
2 Times Brazil State Championship
International Honours : 1979 Copa America Winner
Individual Achievement : 1 Time Paraguayan League Top Scorer
1985 South American Footballer of The Year
Class :  Prince Gold

9. Arsenio  Erico

Date Of Birth  :  30 March 1915
Height : 178 cm, Position : Target Striker
Caps  : Unavailable in Official Match
Major Club : Independiente
Professional Score Record  :  293 Goals/ 325 Games
Club Honours : 2 Times Argentinean League
International Honours, World Cup Participation :  None
Individual Achievement  : 3 Times Argentinean League Top Scorer        
3 Times South American Top Scorer, 2 Time World League Top Scorer
Argentinean League All-Time Top Scorer, Independiente Greatest Player Ever
Argentinean League All-Time Highest Scorer in a Single Season
IFFHS Paraguay’s Player of The Century
                                                        Class : Queen Gold

10. Aurelio Gonzalez

Date Of Birth  :  25 September 1905
Position :  Playmaking-Attacking Midfielder
Height : 170 cm
Major Club  :  Olimpia Asuncion
Caps  : 14 Games (10 Goals)
World Cup Participation  : 1930 (2 Games)
Club Honours : 7 Times Paraguayan League
International Honours  :  None
Individual Achievement :  1929 Copa America Top Scorer 
Olimpia Greatest Player Ever
Class  :  Prince Silver

11. Eulogio  Martinez

Date Of Birth  :  11 June 1935
Height  : 178 cm, Position :  Fast Striker
Major Club  :  Barcelona
Caps  : 17 Games (10 Goals) (Split into Paraguay and Spain)
World Cup Participation : 1962 (1 Game)
Professional Scores Record : 168 Goals/225 Games
Club Honours : 1 Time Paraguayan League
2 Times Spanish League, 3 Times Spanish Cup
2 Times Inter Cities Fair Cup
International Honours :  None
Individual Achievement  : None
Class : Prince Silver


___________________________________________________

Substitution


Sinforiano Garcia

Date Of Birth  :  22 August 1924          
Height : Unknown, Position : Goalkeeper
Caps : 20 Games, Major Club : Flemengo     
World Cup Participation : None
Club Honours: 3 Times Campeonato Carioca
International Honours  :  None
Individual Achievement :  None
Class : Prince Silver    




 Delfin  Benitez Caceres

Date Of Birth  :  24 September 1910
Position :  Forward, Height : 173 cm
Major Club  :  Boca Juniors
Caps  : 15 Games (3 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1930 (1 Game)
Professional Scores Record : 192 Goals/ 312 Games
Club Honours  :  3 Time Argentinean League
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  : 1 Time Argentinean League Top Scorer
1 Time South American League Top Scorer
Class : Prince Silver





Manager 

Manuel Fleitas Solich


Year Of Birth :  30 December 1900
Major Team :  Paraguay, Flamengo
Major Achievement : 3 Times Rio State Championship
1953 South American Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : None
Class :  Prince Silver





Formation XI (5-3-2)




Explanation of Formation


The team strategy is defensive-hard tackle. Chilavert is stand as GK and also set as free-kick taker. Three center-backs line has Gamarra as a sweeper and a leader to defensive line. Herrera and Lezcaco are in front of him as a stopper or marker. Arce and Torales are wing-backs to go support as a side midfielder when the team would be attacking. Solich is selected as defensive holding midfielder. Aurelio Gonzalez and Romerito creates the game in midfield as playmaker and also go advanced to support scoring. Eulogio Martinez and Erico are mainly responsible to find the opportunity to make score.



Estadio Defensores De Chaco






















Opened :  1917 (Newest Renovated In 2007)
City : Asuncion
Capacity :  42,354 Seats

The Greatest Paraguayan Footballers of All-Time

1. Arsenio Erico
2  Jose Luis Chilavert
3. Julio Cesar Romero
4. Manuel Fleitas Solich
5. Aurelio Gonzalez


40 comments:

  1. Gamarra's photo is wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Remi from Xtartime.org ? I'm accustomed to your name even we never talked together.

    Thanks for mistake ! I was confused on his face. It is Roberto Acuna and I've updated.

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  3. Anonymous14/11/14

    cadê o cabanas?

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  4. Celso Ayala? did not succeed in Europe, but was an icon in River Plate. Very solid # 2

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  5. Celso Ayala? did not succeed in Europe, but he was very solid (and revered) in River Plate

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  6. Anonymous4/3/16

    For substitution: Saturnino Arrúa? Hugo Talavera? Roque Santa Cruz? Cayetano Ré? Attila Sallustro? Salvador Cabañas? Roberto "El Gato" Fernández? Raúl Amarilla? Raimundo Aguilera?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're not qualified to make profile but might be good enough if I create a reserved group. I didn't because it would confuse people why they're not include in the 22-men squad.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous4/10/16

    Hugo Ever Almeida as back up for Chilavert

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  8. Anonymous7/10/16

    You forgot Jose Cardozo.

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  9. He was ever named in profile but finally taken out as his club career is consider to disqualify.

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  10. Anonymous13/10/16

    Justo Villar?

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  11. What about Sinforiano Garcia?

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    Replies
    1. His career is interesting as he is one of a few foreigners to play in Brazil during the 1940s to 1950s but I have no information enough to ensure how great was he.

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  12. My friend, you need more space to nominate other great Paraguayan players that are certainly impresicindibles.
    * Cayetano Ré ( Pichichi on the Spanish League)
    * Francisco S. Reyes (best player of Brasilean league 1970)
    * Saturnino Arrúa (Zaraguayo, historical classic 10)
    * Hugo Talavera (Historical classic 10 of South America, continental multi-champion.
    * Claudio Morel Rodríguez (lefty Full back, continental multi-champion and 2° player of América).


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  13. Also Manuel Gavilán, great defender of Paraguay 1947, 1949, 1950 and champions 1953.

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  14. Now I add 4 Paraguayan players Profile who I think they're qualified are Sinforiano Garcia, Francisco Reyes, Hugo Talavera and Roberto Cabanas. There are remains 3 players left to fulfill 22-men squad

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  15. Anonymous2/7/17

    Naratorn, what about Carlos Diarte? a Strong Striker led Zaragoza to La Liga Runners-up

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    Replies
    1. I check in Don Balon Award rating that is available from 1975, he was never named in any top 50 best player in the league of any season. I'm not sure if it is because he appeared too few games but even so he was injury very early at his 24 years old and he collected just 3 great seasons. That means he is disqualified for being made profile.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2/7/17

      Then how about Roberto Fernandez,GK? He appeared 78 times for Paraguay and won 1979 Copa America. And he collected some trophies in Brazil. Also, I suggest Ever Almeida(GK who reached his prime at Olimpia), CB Celso Ayala and FW Cayetano Re.

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    3. I've never seen Roberto Fernandez included in any all-time Paraguay list. Ever Almeida won just 22 caps. Now I already have second choice goalkeeper and 2 CBs in substitution. Cayetano Re is doubtful if he played only forward position because most of his seasons scored very low goal. If he played only forward position, I'm sure he is not deserved.

      Delete
  16. Hello! What your idea for Claudio Morel, Florencio Amarilla and Paulo César da Silva? Are they qualified for the squad?

    And can you explain why you don't included Celso Ayala in the squad? He should be in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Celso Ayala and Claudio Morel were named in South American only twice. When look into standard of candidates in these related era, I think they're not impressive enough.

      There is an available La Liga rating in 1960s in active period of Amarilla but he was nevered named in any top 50 player of the league in any season. P.Cesar Da Silva failed in European standard.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the reply.

      And about Alicio Solalinde, Virginio Cáceres, Vladimiro Schettina and José Sartunino Cardozo?

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    3. Cardozo was superb in only one season in Mexican league. The first two has no info enough to rate them among the top places among Paraguayan players.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous5/1/18

    Jorge Duilio Benítez is a option?

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    Replies
    1. His scoring record in Brazil and with Paraguay is interesting but I read he played football with abnormal heart condition.

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    2. Anonymous6/1/18

      And he is less "player" due of that? What a logic!!!

      Delete
  18. Anonymous14/7/18

    Raúl Vicente Amarilla?

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  19. Anonymous11/11/18

    Juan Bautista Aguero is not a option? Very good carrer in la liga for Sevilla.

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    Replies
    1. I'm interested that he is a Paraguayan winger which is rare to find its legend. I've looked into his rating during his year at La Liga and he is named in top 50 La Liga player of the season just once, is not great enough at all.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous8/10/19

    Maybe Juan Bautista Villalba and Ángel Berni,lw and rw

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  21. Anonymous9/10/19

    Maybe Angel BERNI、Manuel GAVILAN、Juan A.ROMERO、Ruben FERNANDEZ and Juan Bautista VILLALBA

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  22. Domingo Benegas. Midfielder for Atletico de Madrid in the 70's

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  23. José de La Cruz Benítez

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  24. Saturnino Arrua was named "Best League Player" 1974... his first all season in Spain.

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    Replies
    1. Great information. Please provide me a source ?

      Delete
  25. Bartolomè BRIZUELA "BB" "El hombre que jugaba por dos". Volante n. 6 o n. 5, 15 partite in nazionale nella decade 1920, poi trasferito in Argentina al Chacarita Jrs e al San Lorenzo (Campionato vinto del 1933). Nel 1929 disputò una amichevole nella Nazionale Argentina ma poi non accettò la "nacionalizada" argentina per partecipare al Mondiale 1930. Non conosco l'esatto anno di nascita, era alto circa mt.1,90 ed era considerato un "Gran Caudillo" nel Nacional Asuncion. Altri "dimenticati" sono Geraldo RIVAS, n.10 con 32 partite e 12 gol negli anni '20 e Cecìlio MARTINEZ "El Manè Paraguayo" ala destra anni '60, abile, rapido e goleador, stella Sudamericana nel 1963.

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  26. When you have a paraguay National team with only two substitutes,
    why don't you make also teams lie mexico / colombia, who surely have about 20 players

    you could also separate croatia and serbia

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  27. i saw that northern south american squad is already colombia,
    you have to change the name :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. and mexico latin north america ;)
    you only have to change the name

    ReplyDelete