As Paraguay returns to the World Cup stage after 16 years, it stands out not just as a participant but as a formidable opponent to be taken seriously once again. With the arrival of Gustavo Alfaro, the team’s fighting spirit, confidence, and resilience on the field have become clearly evident.
The 2-1 friendly match against the USA in Pennsylvania was seen as an early sign of this transformation. The intense game highlighted the physical contact and strong will to win between the two teams; Paraguay viewed this match as an important test ahead of the major upcoming tournament.
Identity Renewed Under Alfaro
Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro revived the long-missed warrior spirit of Paraguay after taking charge. The team showed a notable approach in applying pressure on opponents, winning second balls, and maintaining match tempo.
Paraguay remained unbeaten in its first nine World Cup qualifying matches under Alfaro. Victories over Brazil (1-0) and Argentina (2-1) during this period demonstrated that the team is not only resilient but also capable of achieving results against top rivals.
Alfaro is regarded as one of South America’s most influential speakers, which has enhanced his impact on the players. Under his leadership, the team has rallied around a renewed goal, blending Paraguay’s traditional toughness with a modern player profile.
Paraguay’s Former Strengths Remembered
Paraguay was one of the continent’s strong teams by qualifying consecutively for the 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cups. The squad that reached the quarterfinals in South Africa 2010 holds a special place in the country’s football history.
Gerardo Martino, a key figure from that era, attributes Paraguay’s success to strong team cohesion and a competitive spirit. According to Martino, it’s impossible to exactly replicate that period because squads change and players’ characters evolve.
After a long absence, Paraguay appears to have left behind its recent decline in qualifiers, but the comeback was not easy. The team finished last in the 2014 qualifiers, seventh in 2018, and eighth in 2022. The tenures of Guillermo Barros Schelotto and then Daniel Garnero failed to bring the expected stability.
The federation’s choice of Alfaro aimed precisely to reverse this break. Leaving his post in Costa Rica, the experienced coach quickly became the figure who transformed the team’s spirit.
Young Talents and Experienced Backbone
Paraguay’s squad is now defined by more than just fighting spirit. Experienced defenders like Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete provide stability, while younger, more technical players boost the team’s attacking potential.
Miguel Almirón emphasizes that this generation differs from the previous one. According to Almirón, Paraguay has maintained its hardworking tradition while gaining a more colorful technical quality.
One of the standout players, Julio Enciso, remains a question mark due to injury. Enciso suffered a hamstring injury during the 4-0 win against Nicaragua and could not continue playing. This is seen as one of Paraguay’s most significant absences before the tournament.
Almirón points to Diego Gómez as a player fans will remember after the World Cup. The midfielder, who plays for Brighton, stands out as a symbol of Paraguay’s new generation.
The intense pace shown in the USA match, combined with Alfaro’s system and strong qualifying results, presents Paraguay as a team not to be underestimated in the tournament. The legacy of 2010 is no longer just a nostalgic memory; it is being revived as a football identity on the field once again.
