Andrés Cubas: 'We will arrive in the best way' for the World Cup

The atmosphere at Paraguay's Ypané training center is electric, reminiscent of a World Cup buzz not felt in over a decade. As the national team enters its fifth day of preparations, midfielder Andrés Cubas, a linchpin in the squad, shared his thoughts on the team's mindset.

Cubas admitted that excitement is building but stressed the squad's maturity in channeling their emotions. "We try to manage it well. Obviously, anxiety and enthusiasm are always around. I think, all together, we have to work on it to handle it in the best way: to calm down, work well, prepare for the match, and be ready," he said. "Being ready and arriving in the best way will help us a lot. So, we all give each other strength, we talk to each other, and try to calm ourselves down, which is important. So, we will arrive in the best way."

The midfielder is enjoying a career peak, with his performance in Major League Soccer solidifying his starting role and showcasing his physical prowess. "Very good, very good. We are doing a great job with my club. We finished, before this break, I think, very well, in the best way: winning, being at the top of the table. Personally, I have been playing, I have continuity, so I feel good, I feel in condition; so I am ready," Cubas stated.

Reflecting on Paraguay's return to the World Cup after a series of qualifying disappointments, Cubas was firm about the team's changed reality. "These are processes where perhaps things didn't go so well for us, not qualifying for the last World Cups, and, well, all that it means. But, well, now it has changed; the reality has changed. We were able to have a great qualifying campaign and qualify, fulfill our objective, so we are enjoying this moment, we are happy. So, well, we have to work to maintain it and continue on this path."