Caceres earns Paraguay recall for Word Cup qualifiers

Veteran midfielder Victor Caceres has earned an international recall for Paraguay's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Brazil scheduled for later this month.

The 31-year-old was included in coach Francisco Arce's 21-man squad almost a year after his last international appearance, reports Xinhua news agency.

"He is very motivated to come back and help the team try to qualify," Arce told a news conference on Wednesday.

Capped 69 times for Paraguay's national team, Caceres is currently enjoying a fruitful spell at Al-Rayyan in Qatar.

Paraguay are currently seventh in the South American zone qualifying standings for the 2018 World Cup with six matches remaining.

The top four teams at the end of the qualifying period will secure a direct berth in football's flagship tournament in Russia while the fifth-ranked side will earn a playoff spot.

Paraguay will host Ecuador on March 23 before playing Brazil away five days later.

Paraguay squad:

Goalkeeper: Roberto Junior Fernandez (Botafogo/Brazil)

Defenders: Jorge Moreira (River Plate/Argentina), Jorge Patino (Jaguares/Mexico), Junio Alonso (Lille/France), Paulo Da Silva (Toluca/Mexico), Dario Veon (Pumas/Mexico), Gustavo Gómez (AC Milan/Italy), Bruno Valdez (Club America/Mexico), Miguel Samudio (Club America/Mexico)

Midfielders: Nestor Ortigoza (San Lorenzo/Argentina), Víctor Caceres (Al-Rayyan/Qatar) Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United/USA), Hernan Perez (Espanyol/Spain), Oscar Romero (Deportivo Alaves/Spain), Juan Manuel Iturbe (Torino/Italy),Eedgar Benítez (Queretaro/Mexico)

Forwards: Cecilio Domínguez (Club America/), Derlis Gonzalez (Dinamo de Kiev/Ukraine), Angel Romero (Corinthians/Brazil), Darío Lezcano (Ingolstadt/Germany), Federico Santander (Copenhagen/Denmark).

--IANS

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