Paraguay at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Encyclopedia
Paraguay
competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
in Athens
, Greece
. Their men's football
team reached the tournament final, losing 1-0 to Argentina
. In doing so their silver medals were Paraguay's first ever of any colour at the Olympic Games
.
Men's Team Competition
Men's 100 metres
:
Women's Javelin Throw:
faced a stiff test in order to qualify for the Athens Games, getting two goals in the last ten minutes to beat Chile
, and edging Brazil
to qualify out of South America, along with Argentina. In group play, they managed to hold on in a high-scoring game with Japan
, before losing to Ghana
and beating the more heralded Italians
.
This was enough to finish top of Group B, and earn them a quarterfinal with Korea. The Paraguayans had a 3-0 lead with just 20 minutes to play, but gave up two goals in five minutes to provide a nervous finish. In the semifinal, a brace from José Cardozo
put them ahead of the Iraqis
, and they held on from there for a 3-1 win. This set up an all-South American final with Argentina
, who had not yet given up a goal in the tournament. This did not change in the final, as an 18th minute goal was all that the Argentinians required for the win.
Despite the setback, the silver medal earned by the Paraguayan team was the first in Olympic history for Paraguay. The three over-23 players named to the final roster by coach Carlos Jara were José Cardozo
, Julio César Enciso, and Carlos Gamarra
, with Cardozo being the team top-scorer, and second highest-scorer in the tournament, scoring five times. The squad was primarily domestically-based, with 13 of the 18 players playing in the Paraguayan league, and three playing in the top levels of leagues in Europe.
Men's Competition:
Paraguay also had four alternate players, who were not counted as part of the official roster.
Men's Single Sculls
:
Women's Single Sculls
:
Men's 200 metre Butterfly
:
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
2004 Summer Olympics
The 2004 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, was a premier international multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004 with the motto Welcome Home. 10,625 athletes competed, some 600 more than expected, accompanied by 5,501 team...
in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. Their men's football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
team reached the tournament final, losing 1-0 to Argentina
Argentina at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Argentina competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The men's basketball and football teams both won gold medals, the first gold medals for Argentina since 1952.-Medalists:- Athletics:MenDecathlonWomen- Basketball:...
. In doing so their silver medals were Paraguay's first ever of any colour at the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
.
Football
Men's Team Competition
- Fredy Barreiro, Diego BarretoDiego BarretoDiego Daniel Barreto Cáceres is a Paraguayan football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Cerro Porteño in the Paraguayan Primera División.Diego is the brother of fellow Paraguayan footballer, Édgar Barreto.-Career:...
, Edgar BarretoEdgar BarretoÉdgar Osvaldo Barreto Cáceres is a Paraguayan footballer who currently plays for Italian Serie A club Palermo and the Paraguay national football team. Édgar is the brother of fellow Paraguayan goalkeeper, Diego Barreto....
, Pedro BenitezPedro BenítezPedro Benítez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Club Cerro Porteño.Benítez was part of the silver medal-winning Paraguayan football team at the 2004 Summer Olympics, who achieved a quarter-final place with two victories in the qualifying round, and, having finished second in the...
, José CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
, Ernesto CristaldoErnesto CristaldoErnesto Cristaldo is a Paraguayan football player who plays for Sol de América.- Club career :Cristaldo began his playing career in 2004 with Cerro Porteño, between 2008 and 2009 he played for Newell's Old Boys of Argentina before returning to Cerro Porteño...
, José DevacaJosé DevacaJosé Ricardo Devaca Sánchez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Persema in Liga Primer Indonesia.-Club career:...
, Osvaldo DiazOsvaldo DíazOsvaldo Díaz is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Guaraní.-Career:Díaz began his career at Club Guaraní before moving in mid 2007 to Olimpia Asunción in the Paraguayan First Division....
, Julio César Enciso, Celso EsquivelCelso EsquivelCelso Esquivel González is a Paraguayan footballer who is currently a free agent.-Club career:Esquivel played in Argentina for San Lorenzo, Racing Club and Talleres...
, Diego FigueredoDiego FigueredoDiego Antonio Figueredo Matiauda is a Paraguayan football player who currently plays for Nacional.He started his career in Olimpia Asunción of Paraguay before moving to Real Valladolid of Spain...
, Carlos GamarraCarlos GamarraCarlos Alberto Gamarra Pavón is a former football player. He captained the Paraguay national team at international level, playing at Centre back, and is the most capped player in Paraguayan football history, having made 110 international appearances and scoring 12 goals.Gamarra is known for his...
, Pablo GiménezPablo GimenezPablo Giménez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Cerro Porteño.His former club teams include Club Atlético Quilmes of Argentina, Club Guaraní in Paraguay, Deportes La Serena in Chile and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil....
, Julio González, Julio ManzurJulio ManzurJulio César Manzur Caffarena is a Paraguayan football player who plays for Club León of the Liga de Ascenso.-Club career:...
, Emilio Martinez, and Aureliano TorresAureliano TorresAureliano Torres Román is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Toluca in Mexico. Although naturally a midfielder, actually he has been a regular left back....
.
Athletics
Neither Paraguayan athlete came close to advancing from their opening round, but Diego Ferreira managed to set a new national record in the 100 metres.Men's 100 metres
Athletics at the 2004 Summer Olympics - Men's 100 metres
The men's 100 metres was of one of 23 track events of the athletics at the 2004 Summer Olympics, in Athens. It was contested at the Athens Olympic Stadium, from August 21 to August 22, by a total of 84 sprinters from 63 nations....
:
- Diego FerreiraDiego FerreiraDiego Ferreira is a Paraguayan athlete specializing in the 100 metres.Participating in the 2004 Summer Olympics, he achieved fifth place in his 100 metres heat, thus failing to make it through to the second round.-References:*...
- Round 1: 10.50 s (5th in heat 4, did not advance, 49th overall) (Paraguayan Record)
Women's Javelin Throw:
- Leryn FrancoLeryn FrancoLeryn Dahiana Franco Steneri is a Paraguayan model and athlete. She specializes in the javelin throw and became an internet sensation during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her personal best throw is 55.66 metres, achieved in June,2011 in Buenos Aires...
- Qualification: 50.37 m (21st in Group A, did not advance, 42nd overall)
Football (Soccer)
ParaguayParaguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
faced a stiff test in order to qualify for the Athens Games, getting two goals in the last ten minutes to beat Chile
Chile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
, and edging Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
to qualify out of South America, along with Argentina. In group play, they managed to hold on in a high-scoring game with Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
, before losing to Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
and beating the more heralded Italians
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
.
This was enough to finish top of Group B, and earn them a quarterfinal with Korea. The Paraguayans had a 3-0 lead with just 20 minutes to play, but gave up two goals in five minutes to provide a nervous finish. In the semifinal, a brace from José Cardozo
José Cardozo
José Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
put them ahead of the Iraqis
Iraq national football team
The Iraqi national football team represents Iraq in international football and is controlled by the Iraq Football Association. They won the 2007 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup tournament.-The Golden Generation:...
, and they held on from there for a 3-1 win. This set up an all-South American final with Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
, who had not yet given up a goal in the tournament. This did not change in the final, as an 18th minute goal was all that the Argentinians required for the win.
Despite the setback, the silver medal earned by the Paraguayan team was the first in Olympic history for Paraguay. The three over-23 players named to the final roster by coach Carlos Jara were José Cardozo
José Cardozo
José Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
, Julio César Enciso, and Carlos Gamarra
Carlos Gamarra
Carlos Alberto Gamarra Pavón is a former football player. He captained the Paraguay national team at international level, playing at Centre back, and is the most capped player in Paraguayan football history, having made 110 international appearances and scoring 12 goals.Gamarra is known for his...
, with Cardozo being the team top-scorer, and second highest-scorer in the tournament, scoring five times. The squad was primarily domestically-based, with 13 of the 18 players playing in the Paraguayan league, and three playing in the top levels of leagues in Europe.
Men's Competition:
- Team Roster
- Goalkeepers
- Diego BarretoDiego BarretoDiego Daniel Barreto Cáceres is a Paraguayan football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Cerro Porteño in the Paraguayan Primera División.Diego is the brother of fellow Paraguayan footballer, Édgar Barreto.-Career:...
- Rodrigo RomeroRodrigo RomeroRodrigo Romero is a Paraguayan footballer that plays as a goalkeeper. He was part of the silver medal-winning Paraguayan 2004 Olympic football team.-Clubs:*2002 General Caballero ZC*2002-2003 Sportivo Trinidense...
- Diego Barreto
- Defenders
- Pedro BenitezPedro BenítezPedro Benítez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Club Cerro Porteño.Benítez was part of the silver medal-winning Paraguayan football team at the 2004 Summer Olympics, who achieved a quarter-final place with two victories in the qualifying round, and, having finished second in the...
- Ernesto CristaldoErnesto CristaldoErnesto Cristaldo is a Paraguayan football player who plays for Sol de América.- Club career :Cristaldo began his playing career in 2004 with Cerro Porteño, between 2008 and 2009 he played for Newell's Old Boys of Argentina before returning to Cerro Porteño...
- José DevacaJosé DevacaJosé Ricardo Devaca Sánchez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Persema in Liga Primer Indonesia.-Club career:...
- Celso EsquivelCelso EsquivelCelso Esquivel González is a Paraguayan footballer who is currently a free agent.-Club career:Esquivel played in Argentina for San Lorenzo, Racing Club and Talleres...
- Carlos GamarraCarlos GamarraCarlos Alberto Gamarra Pavón is a former football player. He captained the Paraguay national team at international level, playing at Centre back, and is the most capped player in Paraguayan football history, having made 110 international appearances and scoring 12 goals.Gamarra is known for his...
- Julio ManzurJulio ManzurJulio César Manzur Caffarena is a Paraguayan football player who plays for Club León of the Liga de Ascenso.-Club career:...
- Emilio Martinez
- Aureliano TorresAureliano TorresAureliano Torres Román is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Toluca in Mexico. Although naturally a midfielder, actually he has been a regular left back....
- Pedro Benitez
- Midfielders
- Edgar BarretoEdgar BarretoÉdgar Osvaldo Barreto Cáceres is a Paraguayan footballer who currently plays for Italian Serie A club Palermo and the Paraguay national football team. Édgar is the brother of fellow Paraguayan goalkeeper, Diego Barreto....
- Osvaldo DiazOsvaldo DíazOsvaldo Díaz is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Guaraní.-Career:Díaz began his career at Club Guaraní before moving in mid 2007 to Olimpia Asunción in the Paraguayan First Division....
- Julio César Enciso
- Diego FigueredoDiego FigueredoDiego Antonio Figueredo Matiauda is a Paraguayan football player who currently plays for Nacional.He started his career in Olimpia Asunción of Paraguay before moving to Real Valladolid of Spain...
- Edgar Barreto
- Forwards
- Fredy Barreiro
- José CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
- Pablo GiménezPablo GimenezPablo Giménez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Cerro Porteño.His former club teams include Club Atlético Quilmes of Argentina, Club Guaraní in Paraguay, Deportes La Serena in Chile and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil....
- Julio González
- Goalkeepers
Paraguay also had four alternate players, who were not counted as part of the official roster.
- Alternates
- Ever CaballeroEver CaballeroEver Caballero is a Paraguayan footballer currently playing for Deportes Copiapó of the Primera B Chilena....
(goalkeeper) - Nelson Haedo ValdezNelson Haedo ValdezNelson Antonio Haedo Valdez is a Paraguayan football striker who currently plays for Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan and the Paraguayan national team.-Early life:...
(forward) - Victor Mareco (defender)
- Roque Santa CruzRoque Santa CruzRoque Luis Santa Cruz Cantero is a Paraguayan footballer currently playing as a striker for La Liga club Real Betis on loan from Manchester City and the Paraguay national football team....
(forward)
- Ever Caballero
- Group B
- Defeated JapanJapan national football teamThe Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
(4 - 3) (Pablo GiménezPablo GimenezPablo Giménez is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Cerro Porteño.His former club teams include Club Atlético Quilmes of Argentina, Club Guaraní in Paraguay, Deportes La Serena in Chile and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil....
5', Jose CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
26', Jose CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
37', Aureliano TorresAureliano TorresAureliano Torres Román is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Toluca in Mexico. Although naturally a midfielder, actually he has been a regular left back....
62') - Lost to GhanaGhana national football teamThe Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
(1 - 2) (Carlos GamarraCarlos GamarraCarlos Alberto Gamarra Pavón is a former football player. He captained the Paraguay national team at international level, playing at Centre back, and is the most capped player in Paraguayan football history, having made 110 international appearances and scoring 12 goals.Gamarra is known for his...
76') - Defeated ItalyItaly national football teamThe Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
(1 - 0) (Fredy BareiroFredy BareiroFredy José Bareiro Gamarra is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Tecos UAG.-Career:Bareiro started his football career in Club 12 de Octubre before moving to Club Libertad of his native country. He played for Paraguay at the 2004 Olympics, helping them to a silver medal by being the...
41')
- Defeated Japan
- 1st in group, Qualified (6 points, 6 GF, 5 GA, 1 GD)
- Quarterfinal: Defeated South Korea (3 - 2) (Fredy BareiroFredy BareiroFredy José Bareiro Gamarra is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Tecos UAG.-Career:Bareiro started his football career in Club 12 de Octubre before moving to Club Libertad of his native country. He played for Paraguay at the 2004 Olympics, helping them to a silver medal by being the...
19', Jose CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
61', Fredy BareiroFredy BareiroFredy José Bareiro Gamarra is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Tecos UAG.-Career:Bareiro started his football career in Club 12 de Octubre before moving to Club Libertad of his native country. He played for Paraguay at the 2004 Olympics, helping them to a silver medal by being the...
71') - Semifinal: Defeated IraqIraq national football teamThe Iraqi national football team represents Iraq in international football and is controlled by the Iraq Football Association. They won the 2007 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup tournament.-The Golden Generation:...
(3 - 1) (Jose CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
17', Jose CardozoJosé CardozoJosé Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a former Paraguayan football striker.-Club career:Cardozo began his professional career in 1988, making his debut for River Plate of Paraguay. After four years in River, he moved to Swiss club FC St. Gallen, where he played from 1990 to 1992...
34', Fredy BareiroFredy BareiroFredy José Bareiro Gamarra is a Paraguayan footballer. He currently plays for Tecos UAG.-Career:Bareiro started his football career in Club 12 de Octubre before moving to Club Libertad of his native country. He played for Paraguay at the 2004 Olympics, helping them to a silver medal by being the...
68') - Final: Defeated ArgentinaArgentina national football teamThe Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
(0 - 1) (Silver Medal)
Rowing
Both Paraguayan rowers finished third-from-last in their events.Men's Single Sculls
Rowing at the 2004 Summer Olympics - Men's Single Sculls
These are the results of the Men's single sculls competition, one of six events for male competitors in Rowing at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.-Heats:*SF denotes qualification to Semifinal A,B or C....
:
- Daniel Sosa
- Heat: 7:52.50 (5th in heat 1, advanced to repechage)
- Repechage: 7:21.03 (4th in repechage 3, advanced to semifinal D/E)
- Semifinal D/E: 7:36.87 (4th in semifinal D/E 2, advanced to final E)
- Final E: 7:13.49 (2nd in final E, 26th overall)
Women's Single Sculls
Rowing at the 2004 Summer Olympics - Women's Single Sculls
These are the results of the Women's single sculls competition, one of six events for female competitors in Rowing at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.-Heat 1 :# Katrin Rutschow-Stomporowski, Germany 7:35.20...
:
- Rocio Rivarola
- Heat: 8:03.85 (4th in heat 1, advanced to repechage)
- Repechage: 7:57.77 (4th in repechage 3, advanced to semifinal C/D)
- Semifinal C/D: 8:05.92 (5th in semifinal C/D 1, advanced to final D)
- Final D: 7:57.36 (3rd in final D, 21st overall)
Swimming
Paraguay's only swimmer in Athens was more than seven seconds behind the time needed to advance to the semifinals.Men's 200 metre Butterfly
Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics - Men's 200 metre butterfly
The Men's 200 metre butterfly event was one of sixteen events for male swimmers at the 2004 Olympics.-Records:-Medalists:By winning a medal, Parry puts fellow Briton Melanie Marshall on the spot to fulfill her promise, made after Britain failed to win any swimming medals in Sydney, of shaving her...
:
- Sergio CabreraSergio CabreraSergio Moises Cabrera Diaz is a male swimmer from Paraguay. He was the nation's only swimming competitor at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, where he ended up in 35th place in the men's 200 metres butterfly event....
- Heat: 2:06.15 (35th overall, did not advance)