Former Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz has wished his successor Gerardo Martino luck for when he takes the reins in January.

The Uruguayan announced his decision to step down from the post after the South Americans were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage.

Ruiz will officially leave the role once he has handed in his post-World Cup report to Paraguayan Football Association president Oscar Harrison, with Martino set to take charge at the start of 2007.

"I know him (Martino) and respect him. He is a great professional and I wish him the best success for the good of Paraguayan football," Ruiz told newspaper ABC Color.

"He is a great person and knows our football very well, so I hope everything goes well for him."

Ruiz' report will analyse his side's failure to progress beyond the group stage in Germany after defeats against England and Sweden.

"When I hand in the report, the link between myself and the FA will be finished," Ruiz added.

A coach has yet to be confirmed for Paraguay's two friendlies later this year against Australia on October 7 and the Basque country on December 28.

National team co-ordinator Horacio Cartes has not rejected the possibility Martino could take over before planned, or that one of his assistants, Adrian Coria or Jorge Pautasso, could stand in for the two games.