As Paraguay returns to the World Cup stage after 16 years, it stands out not just as a participant but as a serious contender to be reckoned with. With Gustavo Alfaro's arrival, the team's fighting spirit, confidence, and resilience on the field have become clearly evident again.
The 2-1 warm-up match played against the US in Pennsylvania was seen as an early sign of this transformation. The intense game demonstrated high physical contact and a 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 the first nine World Cup qualifying matches under Alfaro. During this period, victories over Brazil (1-0) and Argentina (2-1) demonstrated that the team had become not only resilient but also capable of securing results against top rivals.
Alfaro is regarded as one of South America's most influential speakers, which has increased his impact on the players. Under the new coach, the team regrouped around a clear goal and began 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 is impossible to exactly replicate that period because squads change and players’ characters evolve.
After this long absence, Paraguay seems 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 also failed to bring the expected stability.
The federation’s choice of Alfaro aimed precisely to reverse this break. Leaving his post in Costa Rica to take over Paraguay, 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 players like Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete provide stability in defense, while younger, more technical players boost the team’s attacking potential.
Miguel Almirón highlights 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 team’s standout players, Julio Enciso, is currently 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 playing for Brighton stands out as a symbol of Paraguay’s new generation.
The intense pace shown in the US match, combined with Alfaro’s system and strong qualifying results, presents Paraguay as a team that should not be underestimated in the tournament. The legacy of 2010 is no longer just a nostalgic memory; it is being revived as a football identity brought back to the field.
