Chilavert - blasted Spain's record (Allsport)
CHILAVERT TAUNTS SPAIN
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Paraguay captain Jose Luis Chilavert has fired the
opening salvo in Group B's war of words, claiming Spain would not even be in
the finals if they'd had to qualify in South America.
At France 98, Spain were held to a scoreless draw by Paraguay in the Group
stages and this time share the same group as Chilavert's outfit, along with
South Africa and Slovenia.
Chilavert, however, could not hold back when sections of the Spanish press
media claimed that Cesare Maldini's Paraguyan side would not be strong enough
to test either Spain or Slovenia.
"They (Spain) were obviously not going to slip up in their qualifying games if
they are always playing the likes of Andorra, Liechtenstein or Israel," retorted
the Strasbourg stopper.
"If they had been playing in South America I am sure that they would not have
qualified," the 36-year-old told Spanish sports daily Marca.
Paraguay play their opening Group game on June 2 against South Africa - although
Chilavert will miss it because of suspension - before taking on Spain on June 7
and Slovenia on June 12.
The eccentric stopper who takes Paraguay's free kicks and penalties, has scored
eight goals in 67 internationals
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