Around the world: Paraguay

Published on Saturday 14 June 2008 19:43

LEADERS Paraguay are likely to field a three-pronged attack led by Blackburn Rovers' Roque Santa Cruz for today's South American World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

Paraguay top the ten-team group with ten points from four games, two more than their opponents, and are confident of pulling off another win over their bigger neighbours.

"We will pressure them in their half of the field and not let them play," Santa Cruz said. "We are playing at home and we have to take the initiative."

Defender Denis Caniza said: "We have great respect for Brazil but we are not afraid of them, that has never crossed our minds. We are capable of playing well and winning on Sunday."

Santa Cruz, fourth top scorer in the Premier League, is Paraguay's most illustrious player, although Brazil are more wary of his striking partner Salvador Cabanas.

Cabanas, who plays for Mexican club America, is joint top scorer in the South American Libertadores Cup this year and his goals helped knock out two Brazilian sides, Flamengo and Santos.

Paraguay have scored eight goals in their last two qualifiers – a 5-1 win at home to Ecuador and a 3-0 win in Chile.

Brazil coach Dunga is under pressure after his side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat by Venezuela in a friendly a week ago.