Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has made a number of changes for today’s quarterfinal against Spain, making six changes to the lineup started against Japan in the Round of 16.
World Cup 2010, Spain Vs. Paraguay: Gerardo Martino’s Starting Lineup
Dario Varón will start for Carlos Bonet at right back, the position expected to be opposite Spain’s most dangerous player, David Villa.
In midfield, Victor Cáceres returns from suspension to assume his spot in the middle, pushing Néstor Ortigoza to the bench. Édgar Barreto, Nelson Valdez and Jonathan Santana join hold-over Cristian Riveros in a group that looks like it could set-up in a 4-5-1. Enrique Vera and Edgar Benítez find themselves on the bench as does Lucas Barrios as a result of the formation change.
At striker, Óscar Cardozo gets his second start of the tournament in place of Roque Santa Cruz.
Paraguay Starting XI
G - Justo Villar
LB - Claudio Morel
LCB - Antolín Alcaraz
RCB - Paulo Da Silva
RB - Dario Varón
M - Victor Cáceres
M - Édgar Barreto
M - Cristian Riveros
M/F - Nelson Valdez
M/F - Jonathan Santana
F - Óscar Cardozo
Notes
This could set-up as 4-5-1 but could also set-up like Switzerland’s 4-4-1-1 that beat Spain in the first round of Group H play. If that happens, look for Nelson Valdez to occupy the level below Cardozo with Santana and Barreto occupying the wide midfield positions along side Cáceres and Riveros.
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