The Argentine coach, 46, amassed 33 points in his South American qualifying group. No Paraguayan side had ever broken the 30-point barrier before.

Hailed as a master tactician in Paraguay, Martino was the natural choice to take over the team in February 2007 due to his league success with Paraguayan teams Club Libertad and Cerro Porteno.

And impressive wins over both Brazil and Argentina during qualifying only strengthened his cause.

Martino has fashioned an unpredictable side that blends both defensive stability with a frightening attack capable of upsetting the best.

As a player, Martino managed only two caps for Argentina and spent much of his career at local side Newell's Old Boys. But as a coach, his career has gone from strength to strength.

DANGER MAN:

PARAGUAY fans will be praying crocked striker Roque Santa Cruz can shake off his injury curse by the end of the season.

He is instrumental to Martino's plans and with 20 goals in 64 appearances for the Albirroja it's not hard to see why.

Manchester City have not yet seen the full benefit of Santa Cruz, 28, but his form for Blackburn was enough for Fabio Capello to know the potential threat he could cause England.

But even if the hitman doesn't make the trip to South Africa Martino has enough options to keep his forward line just as potent.

Club America's Salvador Cabanas and Borussia Dortmund forward Nelson Haedo scored 11 goals between them in qualifying.

But there are goals right through this Paraguay side who are determined to make up for their first round exit in Germany 2006.

England were the first side to beat them in their opening match back then. Many of the South American squad will remember the defeat well and be eager to exact revenge.

ROUTE TO WC:

A NATIONAL holiday was declared by President Fernando Lugo when Paraguay beat Argentia 1-0 at home. La Albirroja secured third place behind Brazil and Chile in their group.

WORLD CUP RECORD:

1930: R1

1950: R1

1958: R1

1986: R2

1998: R2

2002: R2

2006: R1

HIGHLIGHT:

PARAGUAY returned to the Finals in 1998 after a 12-year absence and were inspired by keeper Jose Luis Chilavert. He conceded just one goal in a group that included Spain, Nigeria and Bulgaria, but lost to eventual champions France after extra time.

POPULATION: 6.5m

PROFESSIONAL TEAMS: 33

NATIONAL BEER: Don't brew their own beer but are very partial to Czech beer Pilsen.