Yes, it was seven days ago that Paraguay were stunned 4-1 by the United States at SoFi Stadium. Still, sections of the country’s press have turned on the players — calling them soft.
Outspoken former national team goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert chimed in to say:
💬 “We got crushed and after the game all the players took selfies with their families as if they were at Disneyland.”
One particularly odd viral rumour involved midfielder Matias Galarza. Several Paraguayan outlets reported that Galarza had refused to play against Turkey because he was so distraught that River Plate had told him to find a new club. Galarza is currently on loan with Atlanta United.
The Paraguayan Football Federation debunked the rumour and Galarza is expected to be in today’s matchday squad.
The future of Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro is now a talking point. He told the press yesterday that he had not yet decided whether to extend his contract beyond the World Cup. Alfaro added:
💬 “Come after me but support the players. When the World Cup is over, I’ll be gone and the players will still be here. If you’re going to criticise someone, criticise me.”
