Like Peanut Butter without Jelly

There is something not quite right about Paraguay heading into this World Cup. Sure it has qualified out of South America for the third straight time and has firmly established itself as one of the continent’s best, but something is missing.

For the first time in what seems like 100 years, Paraguay will be without legendary keeper Jose Luis Chilavert. While Paraguay is still an appetizing team, without Chilvaert in goal it is a bit like peanut butter without jelly.

Paraguay’s road to qualification saw an early burst of wins follow by a deep funk that was only turned around once coach Anibal Ruiz brought in some younger legs. Ruiz will have some interesting decisions to make this summer, chief among them how to mix a blend of experienced players with up and coming young talent.

Paraguay has moved out of the first round the past two World Cups but I don’t see it happening this time around. Without the leadership of Chilavert and in a grouping that includes England and Sweden, I see Paraguay finishing third. They might give the Europeans favorites a run for their money, but this will be a rebuilding tournament of sorts for Paraguay.