Paraguay have sights on quarter-finals (News Feature)

By Barry Whelan Jun 25, 2010, 9:39 GMT

Polokwane, South Africa - Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino believes a Latin American side could win the World Cup, although he may have been thinking more of Brazil or Argentina than his own Albirroja after a nervy performance against New Zealand.

He was happy the goalless draw in Polokwane sufficed in the end for Paraguay to top Group F and set up an encounter on Tuesday with Japan in Pretoria for a place in the quarter-finals.

That would be heady heights for the Paraguayans who in their seven previous appearances have never gone beyond the last 16.

But Martino knows his side will have to improve if wants to go further. 'The best part of this match was that we qualified,' he said, and added: 'We will have to consider playing better if we want to move ahead.'

Despite the poor game against New Zealand, Paraguay have a real chance of creating some footballing history for the country, and could be one of the South American sides competing for the title.

'All these (Latin American) sides have come here in top shape and in some cases in better form than their opponents,' Martino said just before the New Zealand game.

'I said last week this is no surprise. I am familiar with the Latin American sides so it does not surprise me at all.'

Paraguay were perfectly able to cope with New Zealand's height and strength in the air, although they were unable to break down the All Whites who leave the tournament unbeaten.

But Martino said that was more the result of the situation in the group, with his side somewhat constrained by the fact that one mistake at the back could have spelled the end of their ambitions.

Against Japan, Paraguay may be more liberated from the restraints of the group constellation, where an eye is always on rivals playing elsewhere, to go for the knock-out punch.

The Albirroja look to be living up to their reputation as a defensively capable side after drawing with Italy and defeating Slovakia 2-0.

But Martino has adopted a more attacking approach since taking over in 2007 and has players like Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez, Lucas Barrios and Viktor Caceres who are capable of hurting any team.

'The team's success is down to the coach,' Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz said before the tournament.

Paraguay showed their strength in the South American qualifying competition when they finished third ahead of Argentina and Uruguay, who have also reached the last 16 in South Africa.

'We have some of the finest players in the world,' said Martino, a 47-year-old Argentinian known as El Tata, before the tournament.

New Zealand meanwhile go out with their heads high after three draws, and coach Ricki Herbert believes much of the same side could still be around at the next World Cup in Brazil.

'The future looks extremely bright for this team,' he said.