Paraguay ready for ‘Dutch’ Warriors

But he expects them to play a “Dutch” game.

And as such, Ruiz feels that his side will be able to handle Leo Beenhakker’s style.

“I think our preparations up to the moment have been good. We have taken care of the logistics for our participation in the World Cup, we’re visiting all the national team players, observing what our opponents are doing and keeping up with how our injured players are healing, as is the case with Roque Santa Cruz,” Ruiz said in a recent interview published in the Deutsch Welle.

When asked to comment on his team’s plan for the 2006 World Cup, Ruiz replied: “Paraguay has to do better in 2006 than in 2002 and 1998. We know how difficult our group is: Sweden, England, and Trinidad and Tobago are not easy opponents.

“We want to be a main player in Germany and to do that we’re going to have to rely on our expertise, and our skills and prove why our players can play in the best leagues in Italy, Spain, Germany, Mexico and Brazil. We don’t just want to be participants in Germany but protagonists.”

But with England and Sweden being profiled as the giants of Group “B”, Ruiz said he will respect all his opponents including TT but doesn’t think they will have a problem against Dwight Yorke and company.

“There are no easy opponents at the World Cup. The 32 best teams take part and the path to the final is full of hurdles.

“We’re actually going to be playing against three European teams. Under Leo Beenhakker’s instruction, Trinidad and Tobago play a very ‘Dutch’ game. Paraguay is not going to have a problem with that. We realise and respect that the next opponent is always the most difficult,” Ruiz said.

Beenhakker no doubt will take note of what England, Sweden and Paraguay are doing in the build-up to the tournament and no doubt he will be very cautious with his words.

“I have said that it’s a good group. Paraguay has the Latin American style which I like very much and there is no easy team in this group. There is no easy football game today and we will prepare in the best way possible for the teams we have to face,” Beenhakker said in response.

The former Dutch national team coach is currently in Trinidad with assistants Wim Rijsbergen and Anton Corneal.

They are expected to view the opening 2006 Pro League matches this weekend and preparations will continue for the May 10 friendly international against Peru at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.