An Asuncion supermarket worker, overcome with emotion, embraced Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro after La Albirroja secured their World Cup berth. "I have a hard time making ends meet. My only moment of joy is when the national team plays," she said, weeping. Alfaro, appointed in August 2024, has become a beloved figure in Paraguay, leading the team to their first World Cup since 2010.
Alfaro's Maverick Style Wins Hearts
Alfaro is known for his lengthy press conferences, often quoting Chinese and Confucian philosophy, according to Ralph Hannah of the Guarani Vision podcast. Despite his unorthodox style, Paraguayans have embraced him wholeheartedly. Under Alfaro, the Estadio Defensores del Chaco has become a fortress, with home victories over Uruguay, Brazil, and his native Argentina.
Foreign Coach, Local Success
No foreign manager has ever won the World Cup, but Paraguay's fans have no issue with Alfaro's nationality. "It's the Paraguayan idiosyncrasy that they like foreigners telling them what to do more than someone local," Hannah explained. "You need to understand Paraguayan football, not that you have to be Paraguayan." Paraguay went unbeaten in their first nine games under Alfaro, finishing sixth in Conmebol qualifying to secure the final automatic spot.
Key Players to Watch
Brighton's Diego Gomez, who scored the winner against Brazil in qualifying, has impressed in the Premier League with five goals this season. Former Brighton winger Julio Enciso, now at Strasbourg, continues to shine for the national team. "Julio Enciso is a really talented player, he's the guy who can really make a difference," Hannah said.
Defensive Solidity
Paraguay's qualifying campaign averaged just 1.3 goals per match, the second-lowest in Conmebol, indicating Alfaro's focus on defensive organization. Sunderland's Omar Alderete and captain Gustavo Gomez, a two-time Copa Libertadores winner, anchor the backline. Up front, Antonio Sanabria provides clinical finishing, highlighted by a spectacular bicycle kick against Argentina.
Football's Unique Opportunity
Paraguay, one of South America's smaller nations, sees football as a rare chance to compete on the global stage. Their only Olympic medal came in football, a silver in 2004. "The national team is revered because Paraguay is a very small country and rubbing shoulders with world leaders or the elite is very difficult in most circumstances," Hannah noted. When qualification was confirmed, Asuncion erupted in celebration, reminiscent of the euphoria from 2010, when the team reached the quarter-finals. This summer, Alfaro's squad aims to emulate that success.
