Player Profile: Carlos “El Colorado” Gamarra

El Colorado Gamarra probably is the most experience player in the Paraguayan national team. Born in February 17, 1971 in Ypacarai, he start his professional career in Cerro Porteno. He played in some important international teams as Independiente (Argentina), Internacional (Brazil), Benfica (Portugal), Corinthians (Brazil) Athletico de Madrid (Spain), Flamengo (Brazil), AEK Athens (Greece), Internationale (Italy) and finally Palmeiras (Brazil).

Playing always in the center-half of the defense, he is renowned for his exquisite skills, his leadership (actual Captain of the team) and the courage that he shows in the field every match. He played in two Olympic Games, Barcelona ’92 and Athens ’04 where Paraguay got the silver medal, and two World Cups, France ’98 and Korea/Japan ’02. This probably will be his third World Cup.

About the World Cup, recently interviewed by FIFA.com he said that he doesn’t care about the critics respect his age, and that he is in peace with himself because its achievements. The Captain affirmed that Paraguay is better prepared in this World Cup than in the last two, because now we have more offensive power with younger but experienced players like Santa Cruz, and said that the goal of Paraguay is reaching the quarter finals.