Paraguay goalkeeper Ricardo Tavarelli says he is not nervous about the possibility of making his World Cup debut.

The 31-year-old is almost certain to start when the South Americans open their Group B campaign against South Africa on Sunday.

Tavarelli gets his chance to add to his 20 caps thanks to a suspension to first choice Jose Chilavert.

And he cannot wait, adding: "It's a responsibility that I expect to honour, and I wait to do the things in the right way.

"But I don't see any reason to be nervous. I've been playing for 15 years, and I've been an international since 1997.

"Of course this is important because it's a World Cup, but one match won't change anything.

"I just want it all to finally begin. Mentally I'm at 100%, and physically I'm at 200%."

The Olimpia Asuncion stopper is expecting a tough match against the Africans.

He added: "They're a very physical team, and they take advantage of that. But if we win, we're almost in the second round."

Tavarelli was given the seal of approval by the man he replaces.

Chilavert said: "I'm very confident about him. He has all my support. Some people say he may feel the pressure, but I don't think so.

"Every time he has played, he has done it well."

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