It is a real opportunity for New Zealand open their Costa Rican adventure on a high note.
Paraguay’s last appearance at this level was the inaugural edition held in New Zealandin 2008, where they succumbed to the superiority of France, USA and Japan – three of the world leaders in women’s football.
After six years of absence they return to the U-17 Women’s World Cup with victory a clear objective.
Paraguay’s presence in Costa Rica is due to some great performances during the CONMEBOL qualifiers, held in Argentina last year.
Guided by Julio Carlos Gomez, the side sailed through the group stages against Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Peru conceding just one goal, and becoming the only side to win all their first phase games.
That coolness under pressure will no doubt sound warning bells for New Zealand, especially given Paraguay’s desire to improve on their inaugural showing in this event.
Not only did the qualifiers reveal a cohesive team, a number of individual talents were also unveiled, among them Jessica Martinez.
Martinez was the side’s top scorer during qualifying, netting six, and she was also one of the youngest in the squad at just 14 years old.
While positive about the players making up his side, Gomez believes it’s their cohesiveness that is most influential on the pitch.
“Our biggest strength is the unity we have in the team,” Gomez says.
“We work well as a unit and we take pride and joy from that. We’ve shown that if we work hard we can achieve our objectives.”
This first match could be decisive for the Young Football Ferns, and will be a good appetizer before games against fellow Group C opponents Spain and Japan.
New Zealand U-17 Women will get their campaign underway against Paraguay on Sunday 16 March at 11am (Monday, 17 March, 6am NZT) at Ricardo Saprissa Ayma Stadium in Tibas, Costa Rica.

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