Montiel, 18, was one of a number of young players selected by coach Anibal Ruiz as Paraguay, who face England, Sweden and Trinidad & Tobago, head for their third successive World Cup Finals.

'This is the future of our football,' Ruiz told reporters.

'More than 50 per cent of this squad are young enough to play at another three World Cups.

'Montiel is part of a new generation which makes us optimistic about the capabilities of the young players.'

Other youngsters included were Bayern Munich midfielder Julio dos Santos, his club team-mate Roque Santa Cruz, forward Nelson Haedo Valdez and midfielders Edgar Barreto and Cristian Riveros.

But the omission of Internazionale defender Javier Zanetti and Bayern Munich midfielder Martin Demichelis is the biggest talking point.

Argentina coach Jose Nestor Pekerman admitted he had anguished over making his final cuts.

'In all this period in charge of the national team, I've tried to encourage competition between players to motivate everybody to be in the World Cup,' he said.

'There were a lot of players who had a chance of being included. And a few big names had to give way, too.' -