Almiron's World Cup future uncertain after landmark red card for mouth-covering gesture

Miguel Almiron's World Cup future hangs in the balance after he became the first player sent off at the tournament for violating a strict new rule. Almiron covered his mouth during an on-field confrontation, an action now prohibited by FIFA to prevent discriminatory language.

“

I want to thank the effort of my teammates today, giving everything in each ball, thank you, thank you, thank you, I'm proud to be part of this squad.

The landmark dismissal occurred during a tense match where Paraguay secured a vital 1-0 victory against Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive. However, Almiron's red card means he will miss their decisive final group game against Australia.

Paraguay's coach, Gustavo Alfaro, accepted the application of the rules but expressed sympathy for Almiron, who was visibly distressed. "Change that face, we won, don't feel guilty about anything," Alfaro told his player, emphasizing the team's fighting spirit in overcoming the disadvantage.

“

The first thing I told him when he came into the dressing room was, 'change that face, we won, don't feel guilty about anything. What happened brought out even more of your teammates' fighting spirit'.

The new rule, approved by the International Football Association Board, is part of several changes introduced for the tournament, including time limits for throw-ins and player substitutions. While the intention is to curb unsportsmanlike conduct, some, like Alfaro, question the severity of the punishment for such an infraction.

“

He was in a lot of pain because he felt that, for a player of his experience, those things can't happen. But it happened. That's it. We're here to support him, to carry him, to push him.