Acuna goes from Coruna reserves to World Cup

ASUNCION, May 24: Paraguay's Roberto Acuna has re-invented himself as a holding midfielder and is set to play at his third World Cup despite being relegated to the reserves at Deportivo Coruna.

Acuna has seen less than one hour's action in Spain's Primera Liga this year, but that does not seem to worry Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz.

Ruiz gave Acuna his first international outing since the 2002 World Cup in last September's World Cup qualifier against Argentina and the player known as ''The Bull'' turned out to be a key figure in Paraguay's 1-0 win.

It was Paraguay's first success against their larger neighbours in a competitive international and appears to have earned Acuna his place in the side in Germany.

Born in Argentina of Paraguayan parents, Acuna tried to start a professional career in Argentina. After he was told he had limited potential, Acuna's father sold their house and the family returned to Paraguay.

Acuna joined Asuncion club Nacional where he made a quick impact.

He took out Paraguayan citizenship and made his international debut against Bolivia in 1993, becoming a fixture for the next nine years.

His performances caught the eye of other clubs and he moved back to Argentina, where he played for Argentinos Juniors, Independiente and finally for Boca Juniors, the country's most popular club.

He moved on to Real Zaragoza in Spain where he spent five seasons before joining Coruna. But the 11-million-euro move did not work out and he struggled to get a game, at one stage being sent to second division Elche on loan.

Acuna, whose nickname comes from his dominating presence in midfield, was Paraguay's midfield playmaker in France '98 and in Japan and South Korea in 2002.

However, since his return he has been playing just in front of the back four where he has been able to make the best of his excellent distribution.

REUTERS