Paraguay Coach Sees Heat as an Advantage Against France

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro suggested that the extreme heat predicted for their World Cup round of 16 match against favorites France could benefit his team, but only to a certain extent.

High temperatures around 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) with significant humidity are forecast for Philadelphia, with peak temperatures expected an hour or two before the scheduled 5:00 PM local time kickoff. Paraguay plays its home matches in the capital, Asunción, where average summer highs reach up to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). “We are used to the heat. However, one suffers in such heat. In Paraguay, we haven't played knockout matches at five in the afternoon. Maybe it happened once, and there was a defeat. You don't play at that time,” Alfaro told reporters.

He also noted that this wouldn't be the same as Mexico's advantage of playing at high altitude, conditions in which the tournament co-hosts have been training for weeks. “While you might have that memory of what happens at high altitude and what happens in the heat, it's different from experiencing it personally. But the heat will affect both teams. And high altitude affects both teams, yes. But those who have a slight advantage are the people who have been able to prepare in that situation,” the coach explained.

Paraguay eliminated Germany in the round of 16 without central defender Omar Alderete, who sustained a knee injury in the final group stage match against Australia. Alfaro stated that the defender had not yet returned to full training but did not rule out his participation in the match. “Omar worked well yesterday, but not on the field. He did intense physical work. He responded well to the work. We will see today in our training how he reacts. Let's see if he can start or if he can come on later. He wants to play and told me: 'Coach, I don't want to miss this match,'” the Argentine specialist declared.

Meanwhile, despite the triumph over Germany on Monday being celebrated with a national holiday, veteran Paraguay defender Junior Alonso insisted that preparations for the clash with France were proceeding as planned. “We worked so hard, we made so many sacrifices professionally, personally, because our dream was for Paraguay to participate in the World Cup. So, whether we lost or not against Germany, it wouldn't have meant defeat for us, because we did everything humanly possible to achieve that result, and we managed to achieve it. And in this case, in the match against France, it will be no different, as we have the same mindset. We know what we are capable of. And the only thing we can promise the Paraguayan people is that we will give our all. Let's hope God is on our side and we achieve the desired result,” he commented.