The CONMEBOL group of the qualifying stages for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is being extremely contested with: Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela all attempting to snatch a top 5 spot that would allow them to advance into the next rounds of the approaching worldwide competition.
Francisco Arce was given the chance to coach the Paraguayan national football side for the 2nd time and his task is to push them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and qualify after the national team was not able to do it in the previous edition of the competition as Paraguay was not able to qualify.
Arce’s first managerial stint in charge of Paraguay occurred on July of 2011 but he was sacked on June of 2012, the main reason of why Francisco Arce was removed at such a quick time lapse was due to the poor results that he and his squad secured in their campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The 45 year old Paraguayan manager was recently given a 2nd chance to make it happen with the Paraguay national side but it will be extremely difficult as there are many other competent national sides that are competing in the CONMEBOL which are also attempting to snatch a top spot.
“I accept that our first time was not good. We have acquired more solidity in the five years that have passed.” Paraguay’s Francisco Arce said as he stated that the national side is better than they were a few years ago.
Brazil is leading the way at the top of the CONMEBOL group with 27 points; Uruguay is sitting in 2nd place with 23 points, Ecuador is located in the 3rd spot with 20 points, Chile is also tied with 20 points but with a worse goal difference and the last qualifying spot is being occupied by Argentina with 19 points. Paraguay is at the 7th spot with 15 points after 12 qualifying matches.
There are still 6 qualifying matches left to be played which is enough time for Paraguay or any of the other national sides that are struggling to make a push for the top positions.