Heat could benefit Paraguay against France, says coach

Paraguay's coach Gustavo Alfaro suggested that the intense heat expected for their World Cup round-of-16 match against France could potentially benefit his team. High temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) with significant humidity are forecast for Saturday's game in Philadelphia.

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We are used to the heat. Yes, we are. However, you suffer the heat. What knockout match do you have in Paraguay at five in the afternoon? None. Maybe it happened once and there was a defeat. You don't play at that time.

Alfaro stated that his team is accustomed to such conditions, drawing parallels to playing in their home qualifiers in Asuncion, where summer temperatures often reach the low 90s. However, he acknowledged that playing in extreme heat, especially at 5 p.m. ET, is still challenging. "Yes, we are used to the heat," Alfaro said. "However, you suffer the heat. What knockout match do you have in Paraguay at five in the afternoon? None."

He cautioned against drawing direct comparisons to advantages like playing at high altitude, noting that while familiarity with heat or altitude can be a physical memory, it differs from the actual experience of playing in those conditions. Alfaro emphasized that the heat would affect both teams, but those better prepared might have a slight edge.

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Even though you might have this memory, physical memory of understanding what happens with high altitude (or) what happens with heat, it's different from what happens when you're there.

Regarding team news, Alfaro provided an update on defender Omar Alderete, who sustained a knee injury in their previous match. Alderete has been undergoing intensive physical work but has not yet rejoined full team training. "Omar worked well yesterday, but he didn't do anything on the field," Alfaro reported. "He did tough physical work. He responded well to the work. We'll see today at our training to see how he responds... Let's see if he can start or if he can come in later. He wants to be there. He's told me, 'Coach, I don't want to miss this game.'"

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Omar worked well yesterday, but he didn't do anything on the field. He did tough physical work. He responded well to the work. We'll see today at our training to see how he responds... Let's see if he can start or if he can come in later. He wants to be there. He's told me, 'Coach, I don't want to miss this game.'

Veteran defender Junior Alonso echoed the coach's sentiments, insisting there would be no complacency despite the national holiday celebrated after their previous victory over Germany. He stressed the team's unwavering focus on their World Cup dream and their commitment to giving their all against France.

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So whether we have lost or not against Germany, it wouldn't have meant a defeat to us because we did everything humanly possible to obtain that result and we were able to achieve that. And in this case, in the match against France, it won't be different because we have the same mindset.