Proud Paraguay go out with a sob story (News Feature)

By Barry Whelan Jul 4, 2010, 12:34 GMT

Johannesburg - Paraguay left the World Cup with their heads held high despite a tear-filled defeat to Spain which at least spared President Fernando Lugo a watery betting pledge.

The 59-year-old former bishop had promised to dive head first into the presidential swimming pool if Paraguay reached a World Cup semi- final for the first time.

But striker Oscar Cardozo saw his penalty, which would have given the South Americans a second-half lead, saved by Iker Casillas

Then Spain's David Villa sent the Albirroja crashing out with a goal seven minutes from time at Ellis Park Stadium, leaving Cardozo in tears at the final whistle.

'In the hearts of the Paraguayan people the players are already world champions. They gave everything,' the president said in a statement.

Paraguay finished third behind Brazil and Chile in the South American qualifiers to show they could be a force in South Africa, and Gerardo Martino's side did at least go further than ever before.

They won their group ahead of Slovakia, Italy and New Zealand before overcoming Japan in a last-16 penalty shoot-out.

Paraguay proved to be a resilient outfit who were tough to break down. But a lack of firepower proved their downfall after drawing blanks in their last three games.

'We gave our all, we had opportunities but unfortunately Spain scored and Paraguay didn't. We didn't have luck on our side,' Martino said.

The coach complained that a first-half goal from Borussia Dortmund striker Nelson Valdez, disallowed for offside, should have been given, and television replays appeared to show he was right.

Valdez meanwhile believes Germany can beat Spain if they manage to neutralise their midfield as Paraguay did for long periods.

And former Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz, now with Manchester City, said Germany have a great chance of becoming world champions. 'They don't need any tips from us,' he said.