Though the physically imposing Aldo Bobadilla pulled on the No1 jersey just once in the South American qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, he can be regarded as one of coach Gerardo Martino’s most tried and trusted squad members.
Acting as understudy to Justo Villar for the rest of the campaign, he had his one and only outing in the 4-2 defeat to Bolivia in La Paz, taking up his position on the sub’s bench for all of Paraguay’s 17 other encounters bar the opening game against Peru.
Bobadilla has already proved his worth as a faithful deputy between the posts. Selected as Villar’s No2 at Germany 2006, he was called into action only seven minutes into their opening group match against England when the first-choice keeper suffered an injury. The understudy held on to the job for Paraguay’s remaining games against Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden, and though he only let two goals in, it was not enough to save his side from an early exit.
The 33-year-old shotstopper has amassed lots of international experience, and has been a valuable member of the Albirroja squad since appearing in the Korea/Japan 2002 qualification campaign.
A debutant for Cerro Porteno back in 1997, Bobadilla won many trophies with the Asuncion club before going on to star for local rivals Libertad and Argentina’s Boca Juniors. He is currently plying his trade with Colombia’s Independiente Medellin, where he has become a fans' favourite.
