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Paraguay
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Jose Arnulfo Montiel
06/04/2006: Paraguay's triumphant World Cup qualification campaign was built on an exciting batch of young players who are maturing together to form a team capable of causing an upset or two.
Jose Arnulfo Montiel is the latest player to earn his red and white stripes and compete for his country.
At just 17 years old, the playmaker not only looks assured and patient on the ball, but he also has a venomous right foot.
He was snapped up by Paraguay's best-supported side Club Olimpia early on. He made his debut in 2004 and remained a fixture in the centre of the team's midfield.
It didn't take long for European clubs to start sniffing around 'Monti' and after a deal with Switzerland's Basel fell through, Italy's surprise package Udinese snapped him up.
After Paraguay's relatively simple qualification, coach Anibal Ruiz threw Montiel into the team for the two final qualifying matches.
Despite losing the final game, Montiel had become a favourite with fans for his technical skill and a good tournament in Germany could really see him break into the big time.
Paraguay
Roque Santa Cruz (08/06/2006)
Jose Arnulfo Montiel (06/04/2006)