Along with Uruguay, Paraguay were the last time from the CONMEBOL qualification for Italia ’90 to make their bow, and they did so in a thoroughly entertaining and not least dramatic fixture at home against their anticipated main rivals for the top spot: Colombia. While the first half had been goalless, the Paraguayans came to life in the second half, and opened the scoring through substitute Javier Ferreira. The Mexico based 20 year old midfielder had replaced one of the continent’s great playmakers, Julio César Romero, and had instantly become a hero. While Colombia equalized with five minutes remaining on the clock, there was late drama in the game which contained a sending-off as well as six yellows: The visitors’ ‘keeper clattered into Paraguay captain Rogelio Delgado as the game had just entered additional time, something which saw the Colombian players go absolutely livid. They needed to be restrained by the law enforcement, and the kick could only be proceeded with some five minutes after the decision had been made. Eccentric goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert converted duly. 

Ecuador at home had probably been expected to be something of a routine win by many, but the Ecuadorians had proven during their 0-0 home draw with Colombia the previous weekend that they were in the group not just to make up the numbers. While Romero, probably not entirely fit after missing the recently held Copa América through injury, was on the bench, manager Ré had star striker Roberto Cabañas available to him again, and the France based ace scored with a powerful first half header. After the break, another goal from youngster Ferreira saw Paraguay go two up, though they were never truly comfortable, and when Ecuador pulled a goal back, they needed to see the game out with ten men, as Chilavert got himself sent off for an attack on goalscorer Avilés. 

Four points from two had put Paraguay firmly in the driver’s seat, and they could head to Colombia knowing that a draw would suffice to see them through to the intercontinental play-offs, even before their final qualifier. It had looked good when they went in front just before the half-time whistle, with the other France based forward, wide left man Alfredo Mendoza, rifling one into the back of the net from an angle. Despite Romero giving his best performance of what was, on his behalf, a poor qualification, the home side totally dominated their visitors after the break, and strikes in quick succession turned the game around, without the Paraguayans being able to mount a comeback. 

Defeat in Barranquilla hadn’t needed to spell the end of Paraguay’s World Cup qualification: A win in Guayaquil in their final tie would still see them finish the group ahead of Colombia. In an attacking formation which saw them somewhat unbalanced, however, Paraguay were never anything resembling the side which had begun the qualification, and despite taking the lead for the second straight away game, they would succumb to a home side which showed far more endeavour and enthusiasm, at least towards the end of both halves. It is not that Paraguay were without opportunities, but they simply had no answer to Ecuador’s quick transitions, and the lively Aguinaga enjoyed a field day. The home win had been well merited. 

Gradually, Paraguay had looked poorer and poorer as the qualification wore on. Their play was without much-needed energy, and perhaps was their midfield lacking in creativity due to Romero’s restricted participation. They also showed some ill discipline towards the end in Ecuador, and did not really exit the qualification with much pride intact. What lay ahead now was surely a turn-over in the playing staff, as the majority of the team which had taken to the field in the 1986 World Cup had still featured in this qualification. Some no longer appeared to have the necessary drive to succeed at the ultimate level. 

One to watch for the future, well, even at present, was 17 year young, powerful forward Gustavo Neffa, who featured in all four qualifiers. He was rumoured to be on his way to Juventus in Italy, no less. With the benefit of hindsight, we know that he would have his dream come true.

Manager Cayetano Ré would leave his post in the wake of the failed attempt to qualify for Italia ’90. 

Final position: 2 (out of 3)
Total record: 4 2 0 2 6-7 4
Home record: 2 2 0 0 4-2 4
Away record: 2 0 0 2 2-5 0