Paraguay ring the changes, Spain stay the same

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino made an astonishing six changes to his team for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Spain at Ellis Park here.

The Argentine coach’s move was in stark contrast to his opposite number Vicente Del Bosque who picked the same starting XI for the third game in a row.

Martino ditched all three of his misfiring strikers Roque Santa Cruz, Edgar Benitez and Lucas Barrios as he switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 formation.

In came Nelson Valdez and Oscar Cardozo up front with Dario Veron taking over at right back and Victor Caceres, Edgar Barreto and Jonathan Santana all included in midfield.

Carlos Bonet, Enrique Vera and Nestor Ortigozo were the others to be dropped.

Germany await the winners in the semi-final in Durban on Wednesday.

Teams:

Paraguay: Justo Villar (capt); Dario Veron, Antolin Alcaraz, Paulo Da Silva, Claudio Morel Rodriguez; Cristian Riveros, Victor Caceres, Edgar Barreto, Jonathan Santana; Nelson Valdez, Oscar Cardozo

Coach: Gerardo Martino (ARG).

Spain: Iker Casillas (capt); Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Joan Capdevila; Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta; David Villa, Fernando Torres

Coach: Vicente Del Bosque (ESP)

Referee: Carlos Batres (GUA)