When Paraguay booked a place at their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup™ last September, they undeniably did it in style. Not only did they close things out with two games to spare, they did so in front of delirous Guaraní fans in Asuncion against Diego Maradona’s Argentina. "We were ecstatic, and the fans had double cuause for celebration after the match," recalls Justo Villar, the Albirroja goalkeeper and captain, in conversation with FIFA.com. 

"It might look as though we sailed through the qualifying campaign, but nothing could be further from the truth. We led the standings for half the campaign, and then just when we were about to wrap things up, we had a shaky spell, which raised doubts among the fans. That's why we celebrated in style when we finally made it."

So what brought about that sudden loss of form? "It was towards the end of last season. We were tired and had several injuries, so new players had to be drafted in. But we got over it," says the 32-year-old shot-stopper. 

Looking back over the qualifying campaign as a whole, Villar believes La Albiceleste were disappointing. "Argentina should have played much better, given the amount of talent in their ranks. On the other hand, I think Chile were one of the big surprises this time round. They got off to a slow start under Marcelo Bielsa, but then came back very strongly.

I hope to be there to help the team give a good account of themselves, and finally get that World Cup monkey off my back.
Justo Villar, Paraguay goalkeeper.

For Villar, who last year moved to Valladolid in Spain from Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys, South Africa will be his third FIFA World Cup, and perhaps the most special one of all. "At Korea/Japan 2002, I was third-choice keeper, and in Germany I got injured eight minutes into the first game. It was tough, I could feel a lump in my throat. Now that I’ve got another shot at it, maybe I can make up for that. I hope to be there to help the team give a good account of themselves, and finally get that World Cup monkey off my back."

Villar has been mostly warming the Valladolid bench since the start of this season, but was given a start last Sunday in his side's 4-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna. "I thought I’d get more playing time, but I’m still working hard to try to win over the coach. We’ll see what happens between now and Christmas. After that, if things haven’t changed I’ll have to consider moving to another club to get first-team football, because I want to arrive at the World Cup in top form. That’s my aim," he states emphatically.

While the Albirroja reached the Round of 16 in 1998 and 2002, in 2006 they went home after the group stage. For this reason, Villar’s goal for South Africa is to reach at least the second round. "We’ve got mature players and a very able coaching team. We have to play really well in the group stage and qualify for the knockout round," he ventures. "Paraguayan football is improving, but we still have work to do. We have to have something to show for all we’ve achieved since the [silver medal at the] 2004 Olympics. If the coaching staff, players and fans all band together, we can show just what Paraguay can do at a World Cup."

Part of the progress alluded to by Villar is undoubtedly down to an improved attack. While the Albirroja were traditionally known for their stubborn defence, in this latest qualifying campaign, they finished as the continent’s fourth-highest scorers. "I don’t think we’ve gone downhill defensively – I think we’ve improved, and we’re lucky to have some very creative attacking talent. We’ve managed to put together a more rounded team," says the Paraguay vice-captain, a distinction he is proud to hold.

"Wearing the armband that has been worn by legends like Chilavert and Gamarra is a great honour," says Villar, who names the Dane Peter Schmeichel and the great Chilavert among his heroes. At first it was a bit difficult to get used to being in the position that Jose Luis had occupied for so many years, flying the flag for Paraguayan football," admits his successor. "It was tough, but the whole team supported me. It was time for a generational change, and I gradually got used to the idea of filling his shoes."

The Paraguayan fans can be more than happy with Chilavert’s replacement. With Villar between the posts, the Albirroja shipped fewer goals in the qualifying campaign than any other team in South America, with the exception of Brazil. Paraguay conceded 16 goals in 18 games, with Villar only letting in 12. So with Justo Villar as their last line of defence, Paraguay's World Cup hopes are in safe hands.