Gómez: 'Paraguay's journey was always harder'

Gustavo Gómez, captain of the Paraguayan national soccer team, spoke candidly about the team's arduous path to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Following their hard-fought qualification, the team now prepares to face Germany.

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For Paraguay, everything was always more difficult.

Gómez addressed the emotional message he shared on social media after their recent success. He revealed the suffering the team endured during the Copa América and the challenges of qualifying against formidable opponents like Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia. "The truth is that we suffered a lot in the Copa América," he stated, emphasizing the group's merit in achieving their current standing despite immense pressure. "As a group, I am very happy."

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The truth is that we suffered a lot in the Copa América. And everything we went through and achieved what we achieved, the truth is that it is meritorio of the group.

The defender also credited the arrival of coach Alfaro for a significant tactical and morale shift. Gómez stressed the importance of instilling a sense of belonging and pride in the younger generation. "The most important thing for me was to leave a legacy for the younger players that the national team's jersey must be defended regardless of the result," he explained. "That one must be with the country, with their national team at all times."

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As a group, I am very happy.

Gómez believes the team's true victory lies in their perseverance through difficult times, serving as an example for aspiring players. "We spent a long time without being able to qualify, but we didn't give up," he said. "So the legacy of that... I think the victory is that. The younger ones have – obviously it depends on each one if they want to learn – that if it happens."

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And obviously, with the arrival of the coach, a lot changed because, and I said it in the past too, for me, the most important thing was obviously to qualify, but for me, the most important thing was to leave a legacy for the younger players that the national team's jersey must be defended regardless of the result; that the country must be defended regardless of the result; that one must be with the country, with their national team at all times.