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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
Borussia Dortmund star Nelson Haedo Valdez who represents Paraguay at national level, spoke to FIFA.com about the upcoming World Cup in South Africa...  Nelson, what would you say has been the secret to Paraguay's success in recent times? I think the coach, Gerardo Martino, has had a lot to do with the progress Paraguay have made. The team were always seen as being defensive, one that sat back and would often settle for the draw. But that was before. Now the side that Tata (Martino) has built is much more offensively orientated and presses the opposition further up the pitch. In the past Paraguay have often seemed to falter when facing top opposition. Has this situation changed? This is something we still have in our heads a little bit. We Paraguayans have always been self-depreciating and sometimes we've shown too much respect to the likes of Argentina and Brazil. Things have improved, however, and we've grown in self confidence. We know what we can do and we've shown that in the qualifiers. I think this will be fundamental to our performance in South Africa. Paraguay seem to have found another striker in Lucas Barrios. What's your take on him? It would be an honour for us if Lucas came to the World Cup, but he'd have to fight for his place in the team, that much is certain. How do you feel about the group Paraguay have been drawn in, with Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand? It's a very doable proposition for Paraguay. I think with the team we have and our form in the qualifiers we really do have to qualify. The first game couldn't be any bigger, with defending champions Italy the opposition… It's an honour to play the first game against the champions. That said they often start slowly in World Cups and this could help us cause an upset. Do you feel that the time has come to make history at the finals, and what do Paraguayans think of this team? Expectations are really high going into this World Cup. We began the qualifiers in excellent form and so the public are optimistic we can be the surprise package of the tournament. What are your hopes for the tournament? Paraguay have never gone beyond the last 16. I think we'll get that far but after that every game is like a final. I have every confidence that this generation is the one to go further than we've ever been before. more interviews...
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