3 months ago
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Cristóbal Alfaro scored twice as Mexico retained its CONCACAF U-20 Championship soccer **** le with a 2-0 victory over the United States in the final on Sunday.
The Mexican defender opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful, close-range header from a set piece. Alfaro sealed the victory with another header in the 69th.
"It's a dream come true. Although I scored, this is a collective achievement. I thank the fans for their unconditional support," Alfaro said in a post-match interview. "It was an incredible experience to win at home."
The U.S. team was reduced to 10 men just before halftime when captain Chris Applewhite received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Hugo Camberos.
Mexico finished the tournament unbeaten and only conceded one goal.
#scored #city #championship
The Mexican defender opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful, close-range header from a set piece. Alfaro sealed the victory with another header in the 69th.
"It's a dream come true. Although I scored, this is a collective achievement. I thank the fans for their unconditional support," Alfaro said in a post-match interview. "It was an incredible experience to win at home."
The U.S. team was reduced to 10 men just before halftime when captain Chris Applewhite received a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Hugo Camberos.
Mexico finished the tournament unbeaten and only conceded one goal.
#scored #city #championship
3 months ago
Mexico is still on top at the U-20 level.
El Tri beat the United States, 2-0, in the final of the Concacaf U-20 Championship in the final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, Aug. 9.
The final was mostly for pride, with both teams already qualified for the U-20 World Cup and each side already having their place in the 2028 Olympics secured thanks to the U.S. hosting that tournament and Mexico having defeated Canada in the semifinal to secure the other Concacaf place.
Mexico scored a pair of goals on set pieces to win the ***** le and defend the crown from the 2024 tournament when it beat the U.S. in León with a dramatic rally that saw a late goal and an extra-time win.
This edition was more straightforward, with Atlante center back Cristóbal Alfaro nodding in a pair of goals, the first on a set piece from the left wing and the second on a corner kick that U.S. goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich spilled and Alfaro was able to win and put into the net.
#alfaro #already
El Tri beat the United States, 2-0, in the final of the Concacaf U-20 Championship in the final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, Aug. 9.
The final was mostly for pride, with both teams already qualified for the U-20 World Cup and each side already having their place in the 2028 Olympics secured thanks to the U.S. hosting that tournament and Mexico having defeated Canada in the semifinal to secure the other Concacaf place.
Mexico scored a pair of goals on set pieces to win the ***** le and defend the crown from the 2024 tournament when it beat the U.S. in León with a dramatic rally that saw a late goal and an extra-time win.
This edition was more straightforward, with Atlante center back Cristóbal Alfaro nodding in a pair of goals, the first on a set piece from the left wing and the second on a corner kick that U.S. goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich spilled and Alfaro was able to win and put into the net.
#alfaro #already
3 months ago
Mexico's men's soccer team will return to the Olympics in 2028, booking a place in the Los Angeles Games with a 2-1 victory over Canada in the semifinal of the Concacaf U-20 Championship on Friday, Aug. 7 in Mexico City.
Since the 2028 host nation, the United States, arrived in the final of the U-20 tournament earlier Friday with a 2-0 win over Costa Rica, the Mexico-Canada semifinal put a direct berth to the Olympics on the line.
Canada, managed by senior national team coach Jesse Marsch, started sensationally with CF Montreal prospect Owen Graham-Roache setting himself up for a volleyed shot from outside the box to give Canada the lead in the sixth minute.
But the hosts responded with a tremendous goal of their own just after the start of the second half, with defender Cristobal Alfaro sizing up a shot from the top of the area and sending home the equalizer just three minutes after coming on.
The game turned in the 67th minute, when Canada midfielder Liam Mackenzie saw his second yellow card of the match while trying to pull off a turn.
#angeles
Since the 2028 host nation, the United States, arrived in the final of the U-20 tournament earlier Friday with a 2-0 win over Costa Rica, the Mexico-Canada semifinal put a direct berth to the Olympics on the line.
Canada, managed by senior national team coach Jesse Marsch, started sensationally with CF Montreal prospect Owen Graham-Roache setting himself up for a volleyed shot from outside the box to give Canada the lead in the sixth minute.
But the hosts responded with a tremendous goal of their own just after the start of the second half, with defender Cristobal Alfaro sizing up a shot from the top of the area and sending home the equalizer just three minutes after coming on.
The game turned in the 67th minute, when Canada midfielder Liam Mackenzie saw his second yellow card of the match while trying to pull off a turn.
#angeles
4 months ago
Much as been made by fans following popular baseball prospect site, baseballamerica.com, posting their organizational rankings among all MLB teams. The hometown Phillies ranked as the 29th worst farm system in the league based on prospect talent. This seems bad, huh? For a team with aging stars and up against the luxury tax threshold, an injection of young talent could be the only way to prolong this current run of regular seasons success for the Phillies. You are now thinking, how could they have fallen from 20th (in the preseason ranking) to near dead-last? What might have caused this? Well, two things. The graduation of prospects and the lack of development elsewhere. In regards to the former, it always seems to go over the casual fan’s head that could be a driving factor in these nonsensical rankings (nothing against rankings, I love them…but they are really arbitrary and objective). The Phillies graduated two Top100 MLB prospects in Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford. That is a legit major factor! This doesn’t even factor in struggles by Jean Cabrera, Aroon Escobar, Dante Nori, and Carson DeMartini. Not to mention their best prospect has yet to take the field (a consensus Top20 prospect in the game) in shortstop Aidan Miller.
I’m NOT saying this isn’t time to hit the panic **** on. Development has stagnated among prospects, especially on the hitting side. It feels any promising prospect hits that AA/AAA wall and nothing ever materializes. Its frustrating! The Phillies need to do a lot better in both drafting and international scouting. It is largely why the last few years the Phillies have needed to sign and trade for talent rather than find it within the organization. It isn’t a sustainable model if you aren’t blowing past the luxury tax.
You may ask, has it always been like this? Haven’t the Phillies had touted prospects and a system not that long ago? Lets look back at 2016, using a similar list from baseballamerica.com (its their preseason ranking, they didn’t do a full 30 for midseason). In 2016, the Phillies ranking 8th in the league. Led by promising names like JP Crawford, Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, and Jorge Alfaro.
Now these are some great names. The Phillies most impactful player wound up being 23rd ranked 1B-only prospect Rhys Hoskins. Who if memory serves me correctly, wasn’t nearly as fawned over as the monstrous OF Dylan Cozens. A lot of the names on here were also acquired via trade including: Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, Jorge Alfaro, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Darnell Sweeney, Ben Lively, Jimmy Cordero, and Tom Windle. 10 years later, only Hoskins, Crawford, Eflin, and Nick Pivetta remain major leaguers or had significant impacts.
If you were to tell me that there will be less than four impactful players from this year’s midseason Top30 Phillies list, I wouldn’t argue with you. I’m not sure the same amount of pedigree is there as there was in 2016. However, there is still some optimism. Gage Wood looks at a MINIMUM a
I’m NOT saying this isn’t time to hit the panic **** on. Development has stagnated among prospects, especially on the hitting side. It feels any promising prospect hits that AA/AAA wall and nothing ever materializes. Its frustrating! The Phillies need to do a lot better in both drafting and international scouting. It is largely why the last few years the Phillies have needed to sign and trade for talent rather than find it within the organization. It isn’t a sustainable model if you aren’t blowing past the luxury tax.
You may ask, has it always been like this? Haven’t the Phillies had touted prospects and a system not that long ago? Lets look back at 2016, using a similar list from baseballamerica.com (its their preseason ranking, they didn’t do a full 30 for midseason). In 2016, the Phillies ranking 8th in the league. Led by promising names like JP Crawford, Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, and Jorge Alfaro.
Now these are some great names. The Phillies most impactful player wound up being 23rd ranked 1B-only prospect Rhys Hoskins. Who if memory serves me correctly, wasn’t nearly as fawned over as the monstrous OF Dylan Cozens. A lot of the names on here were also acquired via trade including: Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, Jorge Alfaro, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Darnell Sweeney, Ben Lively, Jimmy Cordero, and Tom Windle. 10 years later, only Hoskins, Crawford, Eflin, and Nick Pivetta remain major leaguers or had significant impacts.
If you were to tell me that there will be less than four impactful players from this year’s midseason Top30 Phillies list, I wouldn’t argue with you. I’m not sure the same amount of pedigree is there as there was in 2016. However, there is still some optimism. Gage Wood looks at a MINIMUM a
4 months ago
The twenty-third edition of the World Cup has turned into a true nightmare for CONMEBOL. Following Colombia’s recent elimination, the continent has suffered an unprecedented competitive purge, losing five of its six representatives. Now, the entire region is placing its hopes on Argentina, the only bastion still standing.
The road for the South American national teams was marked by institutional crises and a lack of efficiency:
Uruguay: Marcelo Bielsa’s cycle ended in despair. They were eliminated in the group stage with just two points, prompting the coach’s immediate resignation.
Ecuador: Despite ending a historic unbeaten run, they suffered from severe “goal-scoring anemia,” which triggered Sebastián Beccacece’s departure in the round of 16.
Paraguay: Managed by Gustavo Alfaro, they put in a respectable showing by eliminating Germany, but bowed out against France in the round of 16.
The road for the South American national teams was marked by institutional crises and a lack of efficiency:
Uruguay: Marcelo Bielsa’s cycle ended in despair. They were eliminated in the group stage with just two points, prompting the coach’s immediate resignation.
Ecuador: Despite ending a historic unbeaten run, they suffered from severe “goal-scoring anemia,” which triggered Sebastián Beccacece’s departure in the round of 16.
Paraguay: Managed by Gustavo Alfaro, they put in a respectable showing by eliminating Germany, but bowed out against France in the round of 16.
4 months ago
Day 24 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 saw France overcome Paraguay’s rough-housing while co-hosts Canada fell to a heavy defeat at the hands of Morocco.
Here is our in-depth recap of all the action from Saturday, including what you might have missed overnight.
Paraguay pulled out every dirty trick in the book to dull France’s ultra sharp attack, and it almost worked but they ultimately fell to a narrow defeat in Philadelphia.
Fresh off their shock penalty shootout victory over Germany in the previous round, La Albirroja seemingly tried to take this round of 16 clash to spot kicks again by any means possible.
Gustavo Alfaro’s side made life extremely difficult for Les Bleus, who were also struggling in the sweltering afternoon heat. They played their role of pantomime villain to a tee in the opening half, cynically fouling, grabbing, dragging and even lightly slapping the opposition to drive them to frustration.
Here is our in-depth recap of all the action from Saturday, including what you might have missed overnight.
Paraguay pulled out every dirty trick in the book to dull France’s ultra sharp attack, and it almost worked but they ultimately fell to a narrow defeat in Philadelphia.
Fresh off their shock penalty shootout victory over Germany in the previous round, La Albirroja seemingly tried to take this round of 16 clash to spot kicks again by any means possible.
Gustavo Alfaro’s side made life extremely difficult for Les Bleus, who were also struggling in the sweltering afternoon heat. They played their role of pantomime villain to a tee in the opening half, cynically fouling, grabbing, dragging and even lightly slapping the opposition to drive them to frustration.
4 months ago
Far below Philadelphia’s City Hall, boarding the subways on their return from the Lincoln Financial Field, were fans with names on their shirts. Those of Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, the players they hoped to see on 4 July. They had bought their tickets in the hope of a different match. France did not get the game they wanted, either, and not merely because a World Cup win over Germany would have been something to savour.
One with Paraguay was more one to endure than enjoy. There were parties elsewhere in Philadelphia, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This was something different: Nigglefest 2026. It was an exhibition of off-the-ball fouls, collapsing to the turf and scuffing up the penalty spot. It was designed to delay, to provoke.
It was, according to interpretation, either disgraceful, mildly irritating or a justified way of trying to stop a superior opponent. If Sweden could be accused of being too accommodating when they lost to France, the same charge could not be levelled at Paraguay. Every other opponent had conceded at least three times to the tournament favourites. Paraguay only let in one goal, and a penalty at that. But was that due to their underhand tactics or the genuinely excellent defending that surrounded it, but which will garner less attention?
Gustavo Alfaro, the Paraguay coach, said his side “fought like lions”. Some of the tactics were scarcely those **** ociated with the king of the jungle. Officially, though, they fought clean. That Paraguay only committed 13 fouls was laughable; for the first time in 28 years, they completed a World Cup game without getting as much as a booking, which could suggest their behaviour was immaculate. Instead, it said rather more about the frankly bizarre performance of Ilgiz Tantashev, the Uzbek referee, who seemed incapable of recognising Paraguayan wrongdoing.
That said, it was scarcely the battle of Philadelphia and more an extended exercise in s**thousery. There was a pettiness to much of it, a streetwise nature to parts of it. There were offences that stopped short of being deemed violent conduct. There were others designed to induce a violent reaction from France.
One with Paraguay was more one to endure than enjoy. There were parties elsewhere in Philadelphia, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This was something different: Nigglefest 2026. It was an exhibition of off-the-ball fouls, collapsing to the turf and scuffing up the penalty spot. It was designed to delay, to provoke.
It was, according to interpretation, either disgraceful, mildly irritating or a justified way of trying to stop a superior opponent. If Sweden could be accused of being too accommodating when they lost to France, the same charge could not be levelled at Paraguay. Every other opponent had conceded at least three times to the tournament favourites. Paraguay only let in one goal, and a penalty at that. But was that due to their underhand tactics or the genuinely excellent defending that surrounded it, but which will garner less attention?
Gustavo Alfaro, the Paraguay coach, said his side “fought like lions”. Some of the tactics were scarcely those **** ociated with the king of the jungle. Officially, though, they fought clean. That Paraguay only committed 13 fouls was laughable; for the first time in 28 years, they completed a World Cup game without getting as much as a booking, which could suggest their behaviour was immaculate. Instead, it said rather more about the frankly bizarre performance of Ilgiz Tantashev, the Uzbek referee, who seemed incapable of recognising Paraguayan wrongdoing.
That said, it was scarcely the battle of Philadelphia and more an extended exercise in s**thousery. There was a pettiness to much of it, a streetwise nature to parts of it. There were offences that stopped short of being deemed violent conduct. There were others designed to induce a violent reaction from France.
4 months ago
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said his side had "fought like lions" in their 1-0 World Cup defeat at the hands of France on Saturday.
"France couldn't find the answers, and it took a bit of individual skill and a penalty given by VAR to make the difference which their football had not been able to do," Alfaro said after the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Kylian Mbappe's 70th-minute spot-kick finally broke the deadlock in the last-16 tie and took France through to a quarter-final against Morocco, as Paraguay go home.
The South American nation were appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and had been hoping to match their run to the quarter-finals at that tournament, which remains best ever showing.
The tactics they employed to try to unsettle their opponents irritated France forward Kylian Mbappe, while coach Didier Deschamps accused Paraguay of issuing verbal insults.
"France couldn't find the answers, and it took a bit of individual skill and a penalty given by VAR to make the difference which their football had not been able to do," Alfaro said after the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Kylian Mbappe's 70th-minute spot-kick finally broke the deadlock in the last-16 tie and took France through to a quarter-final against Morocco, as Paraguay go home.
The South American nation were appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and had been hoping to match their run to the quarter-finals at that tournament, which remains best ever showing.
The tactics they employed to try to unsettle their opponents irritated France forward Kylian Mbappe, while coach Didier Deschamps accused Paraguay of issuing verbal insults.
4 months ago
Paraguay earned their place on football's greatest stage by going back to their roots: defensive strength and collective intensity. For years the team tried to play a possession-based game without succeeding in either defence or attack. Then, in August 2024, Gustavo Alfaro arrived with a clear message from day one, what he called "Paraguayan DNA, intensity and clean sheets. That's what will take us to the World Cup". He was not wrong.
The Argentinian coach remained faithful to the 4-4-2 formation in almost every match, only switching to a back five in the high-altitude games against Ecuador and Bolivia. At the World Cup he seems most likely to favour that classic 4-4-2, with perhaps an occasional 4-2-3-1.
Since replacing Daniel Garnero – sacked after a dismal Copa América – Alfaro has transformed the team. From his very first match, away against Uruguay in Montevideo, Paraguay looked a different side. Subsequent home victories against Brazil and Argentina convinced even the biggest skeptics that the "new" Albirroja was real.
Away from home Paraguay have lost only once under Alfaro, against Brazil. They earned heroic draws in Bolivia, 4,100m above sea level, in Ecuador at 2,800m, and in the suffocating heat and humidity of Barranquilla against Colombia. Qualification was sealed with a tense 0-0 draw at home against Ecuador. The result triggered national euphoria. The celebrations were so intense the country's president, Santiago Peña, declared the following day a national holiday.
While Paraguay's greatest strength lies in their intensity and physicality, they can also produce good football, building smoothly from the back and relying on the game-changing talent of Julio Enciso.
The Argentinian coach remained faithful to the 4-4-2 formation in almost every match, only switching to a back five in the high-altitude games against Ecuador and Bolivia. At the World Cup he seems most likely to favour that classic 4-4-2, with perhaps an occasional 4-2-3-1.
Since replacing Daniel Garnero – sacked after a dismal Copa América – Alfaro has transformed the team. From his very first match, away against Uruguay in Montevideo, Paraguay looked a different side. Subsequent home victories against Brazil and Argentina convinced even the biggest skeptics that the "new" Albirroja was real.
Away from home Paraguay have lost only once under Alfaro, against Brazil. They earned heroic draws in Bolivia, 4,100m above sea level, in Ecuador at 2,800m, and in the suffocating heat and humidity of Barranquilla against Colombia. Qualification was sealed with a tense 0-0 draw at home against Ecuador. The result triggered national euphoria. The celebrations were so intense the country's president, Santiago Peña, declared the following day a national holiday.
While Paraguay's greatest strength lies in their intensity and physicality, they can also produce good football, building smoothly from the back and relying on the game-changing talent of Julio Enciso.
4 months ago
France coach Didier Deschamps admitted that the expected scorching heat in Philadelphia during Saturday's match against Paraguay is "not ideal" but didn't want to make a big deal out of it.
"It's not ideal. But I'm not too worried about the heat. Together with the medical staff, we've made sure that various measures have been put in place," the coach said on Friday ahead of the last 16 clash.
The temperature is expected to be above 40 degrees Celsius, which could be an unexpected advantage for underdogs Paraguay.
"The weather is, of course, very similar to what we have in Asunción. Even though we're used to such conditions, this is weather that will undoubtedly influence the game," Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said.
Defender Junior Alonso added: "That's completely normal for us. Hopefully it will get a little warmer tomorrow."
"It's not ideal. But I'm not too worried about the heat. Together with the medical staff, we've made sure that various measures have been put in place," the coach said on Friday ahead of the last 16 clash.
The temperature is expected to be above 40 degrees Celsius, which could be an unexpected advantage for underdogs Paraguay.
"The weather is, of course, very similar to what we have in Asunción. Even though we're used to such conditions, this is weather that will undoubtedly influence the game," Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said.
Defender Junior Alonso added: "That's completely normal for us. Hopefully it will get a little warmer tomorrow."
4 months ago
A stoppage-time winner from Martinelli sends the 'Seleção' into the quarter-finals, while Paraguay pull off the first great miracle by knocking out Germany on penalties in a frantic Tuesday.
The world sports press is saying it with one voice: Brazil suffered enormously, but they are through to the round of 16 after a dramatic comeback against ***** an (2-1). Newspapers such as Marca and As highlight the 'Seleção's' struggle, as they sealed qualification in the 95th minute thanks to a goal from Martinelli.
In Italy, Corriere dello Sport and Quotidiano Sportivo put the success down to the head coach, with headlines such as "Carlo the Magician" and "Brazil at Ancelotti's feet", praising how his second-half changes turned around a match that had become extremely difficult after Sano's early goal.
The tournament's biggest shock has been delivered by Paraguay. Argentine newspaper Olé leads with a bold "GILLGIANTS", praising the heroics of Paraguayan goalkeeper Gill in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout (4-3 after a 1-1 draw).
While Mundo Deportivo describes the result as the tournament's "first major upset", in Germany the Berliner Morgenpost reflects the huge national disappointment with a blunt headline about their team's early exit against Gustavo Alfaro's side.
The world sports press is saying it with one voice: Brazil suffered enormously, but they are through to the round of 16 after a dramatic comeback against ***** an (2-1). Newspapers such as Marca and As highlight the 'Seleção's' struggle, as they sealed qualification in the 95th minute thanks to a goal from Martinelli.
In Italy, Corriere dello Sport and Quotidiano Sportivo put the success down to the head coach, with headlines such as "Carlo the Magician" and "Brazil at Ancelotti's feet", praising how his second-half changes turned around a match that had become extremely difficult after Sano's early goal.
The tournament's biggest shock has been delivered by Paraguay. Argentine newspaper Olé leads with a bold "GILLGIANTS", praising the heroics of Paraguayan goalkeeper Gill in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout (4-3 after a 1-1 draw).
While Mundo Deportivo describes the result as the tournament's "first major upset", in Germany the Berliner Morgenpost reflects the huge national disappointment with a blunt headline about their team's early exit against Gustavo Alfaro's side.
4 months ago
FOXBOROUGH, MA — Paraguay notched one of the most shocking results of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Germany in a penalty kick shootout behind a top-tier performance from Orlando Gill and the country's first-ever knockout stage goal, scored by Julio Enciso.
La Albirroja's manager Gustavo Alfaro summed up what every Paraguayan player and fan was thinking during his post-match news conference.
"This is an epic night," Alfaro said through the FIFA translator.
Gustavo Gomez #15 of Paraguay celebrates after Jose Canale #13 scores the winning penalty in a penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
La Albirroja's manager Gustavo Alfaro summed up what every Paraguayan player and fan was thinking during his post-match news conference.
"This is an epic night," Alfaro said through the FIFA translator.
Gustavo Gomez #15 of Paraguay celebrates after Jose Canale #13 scores the winning penalty in a penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
4 months ago
Paraguay is set to meet Germany in the Round of 32 fixture on Monday at the Boston Stadium.
Paraguay secured their place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams from Group D. After a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in its opening match, it adjusted its approach significantly under Gustavo Alfaro, focusing on defensive organisation.
That change paid off as they recorded a surprising 1-0 win over Turkey despite being reduced to ten men, before earning a vital 0-0 draw against Australia. Those results ensured they entered the knockout stage on the back of two consecutive clean sheets.
Paraguay have been handed an important boost ahead of this clash with the return of Miguel Almirón.
The Newcastle United winger is back from suspension after missing the Australia game and will play a key role in their counter-attacking strategy.
Paraguay secured their place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams from Group D. After a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in its opening match, it adjusted its approach significantly under Gustavo Alfaro, focusing on defensive organisation.
That change paid off as they recorded a surprising 1-0 win over Turkey despite being reduced to ten men, before earning a vital 0-0 draw against Australia. Those results ensured they entered the knockout stage on the back of two consecutive clean sheets.
Paraguay have been handed an important boost ahead of this clash with the return of Miguel Almirón.
The Newcastle United winger is back from suspension after missing the Australia game and will play a key role in their counter-attacking strategy.
4 months ago
Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez says his side will put in a combative display during the World Cup last-32 match against Germany on Monday.
After a 4-1 opening defeat against co-hosts the US, coach Gustavo Alfaro's team kept two clean sheets - including in the 1-0 win against Turkey despite playing with a man down for a full half.
"In the three matches - regardless of the results - we have shown that we can fight well," Gómez said. "It will be no different tomorrow. That is our identity."
Earlier, Gómez posted a rallying cry on social media for the game in Foxborough.
"We are back to compete, and we will fight until the end. We have brought Paraguay to the world stage!" the 33-year-old wrote on Instagram. "It is not over yet."
After a 4-1 opening defeat against co-hosts the US, coach Gustavo Alfaro's team kept two clean sheets - including in the 1-0 win against Turkey despite playing with a man down for a full half.
"In the three matches - regardless of the results - we have shown that we can fight well," Gómez said. "It will be no different tomorrow. That is our identity."
Earlier, Gómez posted a rallying cry on social media for the game in Foxborough.
"We are back to compete, and we will fight until the end. We have brought Paraguay to the world stage!" the 33-year-old wrote on Instagram. "It is not over yet."
4 months ago
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro told his players to grasp the opportunity of a lifetime as they aim to knock out Germany in a seismic World Cup shock on Monday.
The South Americans bounced back from losing 4-1 to co-hosts the United States in their opening game to progress beyond the group stages at a World Cup for the first time since 2002 as one of the best third-placed sides.
Four-time winners Germany won Group E but were beaten by Ecuador in their last outing and were also far from convincing in securing a late win over the Ivory Coast.
"They are candidates to win the World Cup, but we will give everything on the pitch and this is a very good, very nice challenge," said Alfaro at his pre-match press conference on Sunday.
Argentine Alfaro took over after a disastrous 2024 Copa America when Paraguay lost all three group games.
The South Americans bounced back from losing 4-1 to co-hosts the United States in their opening game to progress beyond the group stages at a World Cup for the first time since 2002 as one of the best third-placed sides.
Four-time winners Germany won Group E but were beaten by Ecuador in their last outing and were also far from convincing in securing a late win over the Ivory Coast.
"They are candidates to win the World Cup, but we will give everything on the pitch and this is a very good, very nice challenge," said Alfaro at his pre-match press conference on Sunday.
Argentine Alfaro took over after a disastrous 2024 Copa America when Paraguay lost all three group games.
4 months ago
Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey are eliminated from the group stage at the World Cup after their defeat to Paraguay. Like Bayern-bound Ismael Saibari did earlier for Morocco, Matias Galarza scored the only goal of the game with a sublime finish inside the first couple of minutes.
In the hard-fought encounter, Iván Barton used a new rule to send off Miguel Almirón at the stroke of half-time. Galarza's teammate at Atlanta United became the first player to see a straight red card for covering his month while speaking towards an opponent.
However, Turkey failed to take the extra man advantage in the second-half. Eintracht Frankfurt's Can Uzun made his World Cup debut as he came close twice to score an equalizer. There was also a big moment late in injury-time when Merih Demiral's header narrowly missed the target.
The United States are confirmed to finish top of the group as they will play their Round of 32 game at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Turkey will finish at the bottom of the group whatever happens in their game against the co-hosts. Gustavo Alfaro's Paraguay and Australia will lock horns to finish in the automatic Round of 32 spot.
In the hard-fought encounter, Iván Barton used a new rule to send off Miguel Almirón at the stroke of half-time. Galarza's teammate at Atlanta United became the first player to see a straight red card for covering his month while speaking towards an opponent.
However, Turkey failed to take the extra man advantage in the second-half. Eintracht Frankfurt's Can Uzun made his World Cup debut as he came close twice to score an equalizer. There was also a big moment late in injury-time when Merih Demiral's header narrowly missed the target.
The United States are confirmed to finish top of the group as they will play their Round of 32 game at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Turkey will finish at the bottom of the group whatever happens in their game against the co-hosts. Gustavo Alfaro's Paraguay and Australia will lock horns to finish in the automatic Round of 32 spot.
4 months ago
Paraguay arrive at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara desperate to rebuild after a chastening opening defeat.
Gustavo Alfaro watched his side’s defensive structure crumble against the United States on matchday one. Three goals conceded before half-time in Los Angeles left La Albirroja with a mountain to climb, and they never recovered, eventually falling to a 4-1 defeat.
Their reputation for defensive resilience took a serious dent, and Alfaro will demand an immediate and emphatic response tonight. A win against Turkiye would keep their knockout hopes alive; anything less and their tournament is effectively over.
Alfaro faces a couple of fitness concerns ahead of kick-off. Gustavo Caballero missed the opener entirely and continues to battle a muscular issue, while Ramon Sosa requires a late ***** sment on an ankle problem before a final decision is made on his involvement. Rodrigo Gill retains his place in goal.
Omar Alderete and captain Gustavo Gomez are expected to continue at centre-back. Junior Alonso could make way at left-back, with Alexandro Maidana ready to come in and provide greater defensive solidity on that flank. Juan Jose Caceres continues at right-back.
Gustavo Alfaro watched his side’s defensive structure crumble against the United States on matchday one. Three goals conceded before half-time in Los Angeles left La Albirroja with a mountain to climb, and they never recovered, eventually falling to a 4-1 defeat.
Their reputation for defensive resilience took a serious dent, and Alfaro will demand an immediate and emphatic response tonight. A win against Turkiye would keep their knockout hopes alive; anything less and their tournament is effectively over.
Alfaro faces a couple of fitness concerns ahead of kick-off. Gustavo Caballero missed the opener entirely and continues to battle a muscular issue, while Ramon Sosa requires a late ***** sment on an ankle problem before a final decision is made on his involvement. Rodrigo Gill retains his place in goal.
Omar Alderete and captain Gustavo Gomez are expected to continue at centre-back. Junior Alonso could make way at left-back, with Alexandro Maidana ready to come in and provide greater defensive solidity on that flank. Juan Jose Caceres continues at right-back.
