Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro believes his side have already proved they can compete with football’s biggest nations as they prepare to face four-time world champions Germany in Monday’s World Cup last-32 clash.
The South Americans head into the knockout tie encouraged by memorable World Cup qualifying victories over both Argentina and Brazil, results Alfaro believes have given his players the belief to challenge any opponent.
“We’ve faced Argentina and Brazil, teams with the same stature as Germany, if not even greater,” Alfaro told reporters on Sunday.
“They’re all contenders to win the World Cup. Those matches were difficult, but we found a way to get the results. That gives us confidence.”
Paraguay are making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals before suffering a narrow defeat to eventual champions Spain. Their return to the global stage followed a remarkable turnaround after Alfaro took charge in August 2024, transforming a struggling qualifying campaign into one that secured a place at the finals.
Their tournament began with a disappointing 4-1 defeat to co-hosts the United States, but Paraguay responded impressively. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Turkey, achieved despite playing much of the match with 10 men and facing relentless pressure, was followed by a disciplined goalless draw against Australia, enough to book a place in the knockout rounds.
Paraguay will, however, be without suspended midfielder Diego Gomez after he collected two yellow cards during the group stage. There is also uncertainty surrounding defender Omar Alderete, who is reportedly struggling with an injury.
There is better news in attack, with Miguel Almiron returning after serving a one-match suspension following his red card against Turkey.
Alfaro admitted preparation time had been limited, with only one full training session available before the match near Boston, but insisted his coaching staff had left nothing to chance.
“We’ve gathered plenty of information on Germany,” he said. “Now it’s about making sure we execute our plan on the pitch.”
Captain Gustavo Gomez believes Paraguay’s demanding qualifying campaign has prepared the squad for another major test.
“Playing against Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador and Colombia meant we were constantly under pressure,” Gomez said.
“We’ve experienced difficult situations and learned how to deal with them. That experience has helped shape this team, and now we have another opportunity to show what we’re capable of against Germany.”
