Coach Ruiz takes the long route to the World Cup

ASUNCION, May 24: Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz, who will lead the South American country at their third successive World Cup, survived calls for his dismissal on the long route through the World Cup qualifiers.

The coach's popularity sank dramatically following a 5-2 defeat away to Ecuador and a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Brazil last year and he was jeered during a couple of home games.

However, the Paraguayan association, who have been quick to show their coaches the door in the past, kept their faith in the unassuming Ruiz, who will be taking part in his first World Cup at the age of 63.

They were rewarded when a run of three straight wins, including a 1-0 victory over neighbours Argentina, clinched Paraguay's place in Germany.

Ruiz was previously coach of the under-20 team and initially took over on an interim basis following the 2002 World Cup.

Brazil, the 2002 world champions, wanted to organise a celebratory match and found Paraguay as willing partners. Without sufficient time to find a long-term coach, the Paraguayans asked Ruiz to do the job and he not only obliged but led his side to shock 1-0 win in Fortaleza against over-confident opponents.

It was enough for him to get the post on a long-term basis.

Born in Uruguay, Ruiz was an attacking midfielder who played for clubs in Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Costa Rica.

After finishing his playing career in 1976, he became assistant coach to Luis Cubilla at Nacional in his homeland, following his mentor to Danubio, Defensor and then Paraguay's Olimpia, where they won the Libertadores Cup in 1979.

Ruiz became a coach in his own right at Olimpia in 1985.

Since then he has travelled widely, coaching clubs in his homeland, Mexico and Ecuador as well as the El Salvador national side.

REUTERS