Gerardo Martino © Action Images

PARAGUAY TO PLAY SA IN WCUP WARM-UP

Paraguay will face South Africa in a World Cup warm-up match on March 31 in the national capital Asuncion.

Juan Angel Napout, president of the national federation, announced the match on Tuesday. South Africa also has several friendlies scheduled in the next few weeks in neighbouring Brazil.

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino did not specify if he would use exclusively local players or call up some based outside the country.

Paraguay is appearing in its fourth straight World Cup and plays in Group F in South Africa against defending champion Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand.