PARAGUAY

“Dear grandpa, I dedicate this to you in heaven with all my heart. I always remember when you pointed at me and told me that one day I would be there,” Enciso wrote emotionally, as Paraguay sealed their return to the World Cup. Enciso made the promise to become a professional player to save his family from poverty. He pledged to play for his country – he was only 17 when that was ticked off – and promised that his grandfather would see him playing in a World Cup. That second promise was not to be, as his grandfather died before Julio had played for his country. He made his debut at Libertad in the Paraguayan first division aged only 15 and moved to Europe at 18, signing for Brighton. He joined Strasbourg last summer, and is now established as Paraguay’s top attacker, offering flair, dribbling, assists and goals.

Galarza’s grandfather Arturo was a legendary goalkeeper who was born in Paraguay but moved to Bolivia and played for both national teams in the 1960s and 70s. His father, Rolando, was born in Bolivia – where he played professional football, also as a goalkeeper, and moved to Paraguay. Finally, Matías was born in Paraguay and moved to Bolivia – his brother, Lucas, played for Bolivia's under-21s, in goal of course – before playing in Brazil, Argentina, where his mother comes from, and as of March in the US, but he was always destined to play for the land of his birth. “His dream was always to play for Paraguay,” his father said. Known for his energy and a wonderful left foot, he has become one of the most popular squad members.