Paraguay name record seven Brasileirão players for World Cup return | OneFootball

Paraguay return to the World Cup after 16 years with a squad heavy on Brazil-based talent. Gustavo Alfaro has named a record seven Brasileirão players, Balbuena, Bobadilla, Gustavo Gómez, Isidro Pitta, Junior Alonso, Maurício and Ramón Sosa. It will be the first World Cup for all of them.

According to Globo.com, the previous high came in 1998 when Paulo César Carpegiani selected four, Arce, Enciso, Gamarra and Rivarola. The totals then fell, with three in 2002 and 2006, and one in 2010.

Paraguay last featured in 2010, topping Group F, eliminating Japan on penalties in the last 16, then losing 1-0 to Spain in the quarter-finals.

This year they share a group with Australia, the United States and Türkiye. Chief among their Brazil-based contingent is captain Gustavo Gómez of Palmeiras, the club’s most decorated player. He has 88 appearances and four goals for Paraguay.

Palmeiras midfielder Maurício is also included. Born in São Paulo, he was naturalised early this year, his father is Paraguayan, enabling his call-up. He has four goals and two assists in 30 matches this season.

Brazil and Uruguay have also selected seven players from Brazilian clubs, and the trio lead this year’s World Cup for call-ups from the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Globo.com