ROQUE SANTA CRUZ - PARAGUAY

Date of birth: Aug. 16, 1981
Birthplace: Asuncion, Paraguay
Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Position: Striker
International debut: April 1999 vs. Mexico

He's only 24-years-old, but Roque Santa Cruz is one of the most experienced veterans of Paraguay's national team

Santa Cruz, who earned the nickname 'Babygol' when he made his debut for Paraguay as a 17-year-old, is a tall striker with a deft scoring touch who is capable of burning opposing defenders with his sudden bursts of speed.

A star player with German league champions Bayern Munich, the Paraguayan uses his height to great effect in the air, and combines physical strength with elegance and grace. Similar in style to Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Santa Cruz will lead Paraguay's attack in Germany as the South American nation tries to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in its history.

Santa Cruz made his pro debut in 1998 as a 16-year-old for Olimpia, one of the top clubs in Paraguay. Although still a teenager, he proved he was not a boy playing a man's game by helping Olimpia win back-to-back league titles. Santa Cruz was also voted the Paraguayan player of the year in 1999.

The international soccer world first took notice of him when he scored three goals for Paraguay at the 1999 under-20 World Cup. The forward guided Paraguay into the second round, and his outstanding performance at the tournament earned him a call-up to the senior national team that same year.

As a 17-year-old, Santa Cruz was leading the attack for Paraguay at the 1999 Copa America, scoring three goals and helping his country reach the quarter-finals.

Bayern Munich didn't need any more convincing of his skill and signed him midway through the 1999-2000 German league campaign. He scored five goals in his first season with Bayern and quickly won over fans with his fantastic ball control and exquisite scoring touch.

His tenure with Bayern, however, has been marred by a series of injuries that have sidelined him for long stretches of time. He's also had to battle the likes of Dutchman Roy Makaay and talented Peruvian Claudio Pizarro for a regular starting role.

Playing a secondary role for such a prestigious club does not seem befitting a player of Santa Cruz's obvious talent, but the mercurial South American takes it in stride with his trademark smile and warm demeanour.

Cruz sustained a cruciate ligament injury to his right knee last October but has recently returned to action well ahead of schedule and is now looking forward to leading the offensive line for Paraguay in Germany, especially after a disappointing 2002 World Cup.

Cruz was limited to just one goal four years ago, and is eager to make amends in 2006 with a strong effort in the country where he makes his living. A solid performance in Germany would also silence those critics who believe Bayern should cut the injury-plagued forward loose, and help get his career back on track.