Cesare Maldini - side will give it all (Allsport).
MALDINI MAKES A PROMISE
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Paraguay coach Cesare Maldini has promised that
his side will give their all when they take on Group B favourites Spain on
Friday.
Following their disappointing 2-2 draw against South Africa, Paraguay go into
the game needing at least a point if their qualification for the second phase is
not going to be seriously threatened.
Nevertheless, it will not be easy against a Spain side whose morale is in the
clouds following their 3-1 win over Slovenia.
"It's all or nothing. With all respect to Spain, who I know very well, we are
going to go out to play. We will do everything we know on the pitch," said
Maldini.
"It's very difficult. I know almost all of the Spain players, so nobody
should doubt we are against a good side. We all know how well Raul and
(Fernando) Morientes compliment each other and De Pedro is a very good player.
"We are going to play the game and then we shall see what happens. Anything
is possible in football and with all my respect to Spain, we'll see who is the
best team when we are on the pitch."
Roque Santa Cruz is revelling in his status as a
World Cup goalscorer and has no fear of Paraguay's next opponents.
Used to playing big matches with Bayern Munich, Santa Cruz impressed in
Paraguay's 2-2 draw with South Africa in which he headed the first goal.
And he said, ahead of Friday's match against the Spaniards in Jeonju: "We can
match any team and that includes Spain. I don't think we will lose."
Defeat will make it difficult for Paraguay to progress, and Santa Cruz has
warned his team-mates not to underestimate the Spanish.
"Spain as a team are not great," he explained, "but they have players that
can determine a match.
"It is important to play with intelligence, to try and defend well and get a
goal to get the victory."
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