Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz is confident a new generation of players will ensure the country continues to be a force in world football.

Carlos Gamarra and Roberto Acuna have already announced their retirements from international football and several more experienced players are expected to follow their lead.

The South American side will not be progressing beyond the group stage of the World Cp finals after suffering 1-0 defeats to England and Sweden but Ruiz remains upbeat about the future.

"We are bitterly disappointed," he admitted in the build-up to Paraguay's final Group B game against Trinidad & Tobago.

"But although we didn't get the results we wanted, we were never under the cosh, apart from the opening periods of both games when we struggled to get control.

"The absence of experienced players (like Gamarra and Acuna) will be felt, but behind them we've got a good group of talented young players coming through.

"I have to thank my experienced players and I know that, wherever they are, they will be fondly remembered by everyone, and by me in particular."