Paraguay boss says they've 'already won' by making World Cup, but have sights set on more

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/paraguay/YaNlqp6j/"]Paraguay[/a] ‌face co-hosts the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/usa/fuitL4CF/"]United States[/a] in their opening ‌Group D match on Friday, marking the South Americans' first World ‌Cup appearance since 2010.[/p][p][b]"In my view, they have already ‌won,"[/b] Alfaro said of his players at a pre-match news conference on the eve of the game.[/p][p][b]"After 16 years, they qualified when ‌it seemed impossible, when there was no ⁠hope."[/b][/p][p]The Argentine added that ‌the team had restored the connection with the fans: [b]"They've recovered Paraguay's ​DNA."[/b][/p][p]While acknowledging the emotion surrounding Paraguay's return, Alfaro stressed that his squad's ambitions extend beyond merely taking ​part.[/p][p][b]"We are not here just to be part of the World Cup," [/b]he said. [b]"We're here to compete."[/b][/p][p]Alfaro expected the ⁠opening test to be ​difficult, with the United States playing on home soil under coach Mauricio Pochettino.[/p][p]"Of course, it is complex to face one of the hosts," Alfaro said, pointing to the quality of ‌their opponents' European-based players.[/p][p]Paraguay would need to show concentration and discipline, he added, especially against a US side who were dangerous from set pieces.[/p][video alt="Julio Enciso profile" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="c83ae61a-c823-4fa7-abb6-ac080cf56a4c" id="006d3ec6-baec-4053-8b6c-db978b38e072" /][p]Paraguay also received encouraging signs regarding the fitness of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/strasbourg/nP6UzIU1/"]Strasbourg[/a] winger [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/enciso-julio/f19S9MEi/"]Julio Enciso[/a], who is recovering from an injury suffered shortly before the tournament.[/p][p][b]"Julio is doing very well,"[/b] Alfaro said, adding that he had followed the required steps in his recovery and would continue ‌to be assessed before a decision is made on his ​availability.[/p][p]Alfaro said the squad, and the country, wanted Enciso ‌to be ready, and suggested he would start if fit.[/p][p]As anticipation builds ahead of Paraguay's long-awaited return to the World Cup, Alfaro said he had urged his players to stay calm as they counted down the ⁠final hours before kick-off.[/p][p][b]"We ⁠waited 16 years,"[/b] he ‌said. [b]"We can wait one more day."[/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/paraguay-YaNlqp6j/usa-fuitL4CF/?mid=bo9vy2zK"]Follow USA vs Paraguay with Flashscore[/a][/b][/p][infobox id="4ccc1b10-d68f-4c97-bcf4-5e613c17c2e3" /]