Alfaro: "What awaits us against Australia is very complicated"

Paraguay's national football coach Gustavo Alfaro finds the upcoming World Cup match against Australia to be a "very complicated" challenge. Aware of the physical and organized nature of the Australian team, Alfaro emphasized the strength of his squad's collective unity as key to overcoming the obstacle.

Alfaro also voiced concerns about several new FIFA regulations implemented for the 2026 World Cup. He fears these changes are fundamentally altering the sport's character, likening the potential outcome to becoming "PlayStation players." He specifically pointed to hydration breaks as disruptive, arguing that their length alters the game's natural rhythm and intensity. "You only need a minute for hydration," he stated, suggesting the current breaks are excessive.

Despite his reservations about the evolving rules, Alfaro acknowledged that his team must adapt. Paraguay is currently preparing in San Jose, California, with their sights set on the decisive match against Australia. A positive result is crucial for their advancement to the knockout stage of the tournament. Alfaro stated, "I accept the rules because we are participating, but I feel it is another sport."