The Argentine strategist understands the importance of achieving a visitor victory, especially in the Paraguayan capital during the Conmebol qualifiers.
This Thursday, the Argentine team will head to the iconic Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción, with the aim of consolidating their position as leaders in the South American qualifiers against an inspired Paraguay, eager to return to the World Cup under the command of coach Gustavo Alfaro, who remains undefeated in four games.
The Albiceleste, former world champions, have accumulated 22 of a possible 30 points in the qualifying rounds. In their last presentation, they triumphed with a resounding 6-0 over Bolivia, while Paraguay achieved a 2-1 victory against Venezuela, which catapulted them to sixth place in the table with thirteen points, ensuring a place in the qualifying zone. direct.
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The challenge is, therefore, twofold for the Guarani: they must not only maintain their positive streak, but also defend their place among the teams that qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
RENACER GUARANI
The arrival of Gustavo Alfaro has marked a rebirth for the feared Guaraní spirit, which had considered Defensores del Chaco as an impregnable fortress. Since his tenure began, Alfaro has worked to revive his players’ pride in wearing the national jersey and has rekindled hope among fans to support their team.
The results have been promising: a 0-0 draw against Uruguay and a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the seventh and eighth rounds of the qualifiers, recently repeated with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador and another 2-1 victory against a disorganized Venezuela.
As hosts, the Paraguayan team has paid meticulous attention to details, in particular the decision by the Paraguayan Football Association (APF) to prohibit fans from wearing other teams’ jerseys in the local stands, especially that of superstar Lionel Messi, who enjoy support regardless of nationalities.
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In terms of football, Alfaro has called up a squad of 27 players, with the absence of Juan José Cáceres, Lanús’ right back, due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Key figures include Torino’s Antonio Sanabria, who scored against Venezuela, and Inter Miami’s Diego Gómez, Messi’s teammate, who was instrumental against Brazil.
THE ‘DIBU’ IN THE GOAL
This Thursday’s match will mark the return of goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, after serving a two-match suspension for an incident with a cameraman during Argentina’s 2-1 defeat in Colombia.
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Argentina will arrive with its characteristic stature after a 1-1 draw against Venezuela and a beating of Bolivia.
In other games, Venezuela will host Brazil, while Bolivia will visit Ecuador. In Lima, Peru will face Chile, and on Friday, Uruguay will face Colombia in Montevideo.
ARRIVAL IN HONDURAS
The battle has begun in Honduras. The pressure on the Mexican team was palpable upon stepping on Honduran soil.
The Mexican team, under the command of Javier Aguirre, has already settled in Honduras before their confrontation in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League.
The match will take place at the Francisco Morazán stadium, one of the oldest in the country with a moderate capacity of less than 20,000 spectators, chosen for the potential impact of the home crowd on the Mexican team, a pressure that has already begun to build. since last night.
Upon arriving at the San Pedro airport, the Mexican team headed without complications to their Designado hotel, the same one they have used since their visits to this Honduran city in the early 90s.
Upon arrival, the team was greeted by Mexican media covering the team and some local Honduran journalists.
Of course, the home fans were also present, and this is where the so-called “war” began.
One by one, the tricolor players got off the bus when a fan shouted: “You should be ashamed. The last time you beat us, it was thanks to the referee,” referring to the previous Nations League match where Salvadoran referee Iván Barton “ assisted” Mexico in its victory against the Catrachos at the Azteca Stadium.
“Here comes Barton, here comes Barton,” the fan shouted as the players passed by, who did not respond at any time.
“We are all Catrachos here, there is no referee, so feel the pressure for the day after tomorrow…”
The players entered the hotel, with Memo Ochoa being the last to get off the bus, without incidents to report.
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