Lugano: Paraguay will be tough

The Charruas - a Copa America champion and World Cup semi-finalist - overcame Bolivia 4-2 in Montevideo in their opening qualifier, while Paraguay lost 2-0 against Peru in Lima.

But Lugano believes there is little between the South American rivals and has urged his players to be fully focused.

"We celebrated the win over Bolivia in the dressing room but immediately started to think of the Paraguay game," the 30-year-old Paris St Germain defender told Ovacion newspaper.

"Paraguay have always been a tough team to us. Football is quite even at the moment and each match is a different story. There are no difference between the teams.

"We have the opportunity to gain at least one point in Paraguay so we can be close to the top positions. I want this team to keep writing pages in history."

Paraguay forward Nelson Haedo-Valdez has called on the Guaranies to beat Uruguay in order to restore a calmness to their camp after last weekend's loss in Peru.

"Uruguay are a powerful side in aerial play, but we also have players who jump well. We are focused on winning," Haedo-Valdez said at a press conference.

"The three points would be great to calm us down and consolidate ourselves as a team."