Former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert says his countrymen can shock defending champions Italy in their opening World Cup Group F game, claiming their rivals are past it.

"I think Paraguay can beat the world champions - the Italians have got very long in the tooth. They are tired and recently haven't been taking care of themselves," said the 45-year-old Chilavert, whose eccentric play was a hallmark of recent Paraguayan World Cup forays.

"Paraguay are group favourites for me," he told Brazil's Radio Jovem Pan in an interview."

Slovakia and rank outsiders New Zealand complete Group F.

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