The club geography of the Paraguayan roster offers clear evidence of the self-sustaining strength of football in the Americas

The South Americans bounced back from losing 4-1 to co-hosts the United States in their opening game to progress beyond the group stages at a World Cup for the first time since 2002 as one of the best third-placed sides.

Aside from the Messi incident, the referees have made their uncompromising statement.