Ahead of the match against Turkey, Paraguay coach Alfaro and Galarza attended the pre-match press conference.
Reflecting on the previous loss to the United States, Alfaro said: "Everyone was very disappointed after the game for many reasons, which we have analyzed and discussed. But this tournament doesn't give you time to stop, feel sad, or regret. There are realities to face, challenges to take on, and problems to solve here."
Alfaro stated: "I always tell the players that instead of worrying, they should focus on what they need to do, what their tasks are. Many things were not done well, and I still maintain my previous view: we were suppressed by our opponents in all aspects. Later, with specific data, looking back at the details, we can find the reasons."
Regarding the match against Turkey, Alfaro said: "We hope tomorrow's match will be different. We know that for both Turkey and us, this is a match that will decide many things. That's how the FIFA World Cup is; you can't dwell on regrets. You have to move on, learn from experience, and transform these into maturity and experience."
Alfaro said that the team has been fully prepared recently: "We have watched many matches and observed the rhythm, style, and focus of attack and defense in the FIFA World Cup. We must be able to understand these and apply them to the game. We have done a lot of work in this regard, and the players have trained very well. I sincerely congratulated them a few days ago, and I hope they can bring what they've practiced to the field tomorrow."
Speaking about Turkey, Alfaro said: "We are facing a very complex opponent with very high-level players. Turkey came here through the playoffs, and they were in the same group as Spain in the group stage, with Spain getting 16 points and Turkey getting 13 points, drawing 2-2 with Spain away in their last match. They won both playoff matches, and they have both experienced, high-level players and very outstanding young players."
Alfaro also mentioned the opponents Galarza might face: "Galarza might encounter some strong players on the field, but Galarza and his teammates also have the ability to compete at this level. We firmly believe that Paraguay will play like Paraguay again, showing the characteristics it has always had. In the match against the United States, for reasons we have discussed, talked about, and understood, we did not achieve that. We must strive to play the game we want and keep the team fighting for the opportunity and dream of advancing to the next stage."
Galarza responded to questions about his personal form, saying: "I am on the most beautiful and biggest stage in the world. If I have any concerns, it's about giving my best for my country, that's the reality. As for other things, everyone has to take responsibility for what they say. I think that's outrageous. Now I am proud and happy, and my mind is completely focused on the national team, on Friday's match, and on the players I will face."
Galarza said about Turkey: "We faced Messi in the South American qualifiers, and we also faced the best players in the world. I think South America has the best players in the world. Turkey is indeed a very strong team with excellent individual abilities. We are ready and very confident about Friday's match, and the most important thing is to believe in this team. We will strive to show the best of Paraguay."
Speaking about Turkey's previous match against Australia, Alfaro said: "I think this will be a different match. Australia played a very perfect game against Turkey, or rather, the match process was very ideal for them. Australia defended very well, very solidly, and crowded many people in the areas where Turkey organized attacks. Finally, they relied on individual ability to convert two long passes into goal opportunities, which decided the match."
Alfaro said: "The beauty of football is that people usually always explain the game based on the result, and it's very difficult to refute the result. Turkey might feel very helpless because they had possession and advanced on the field, but their path was blocked, and they didn't create many chances. That's how football sometimes is. You can say a team is highly efficient in defense and offense, but they may not be able to maintain the same things in the next game. That's why football is so dynamic, variable, and sometimes unpredictable."
Alfaro added: "No matter how high your level, how rich your resume and experience, before the game starts, you can't win the game without playing it. We play differently from Australia, and we must rediscover what has always defined us. We used to be a defensively solid team, but in the last match, some areas lacked the necessary synchronization, while the opponent's attack had a lot of rotation, speed, and precision. In that situation, if the defense is not adjusted well, there will be consequences."
Speaking about the score of the match against the United States, Alfaro said: "We know that if these problems are not corrected, whether the opponent is the United States or not, we will have no chance. We must return to being Paraguay, reset to zero, and readjust the details that must be adjusted."
Alfaro also spoke about his relationship with the players: "I feel very close to the team and the entire working staff. This allows me to express my thoughts frankly without fear of being misunderstood. In football, you don't always have this space. Being able to speak my mind without fear of being misread or taken out of context gives me peace of mind and great freedom. This is not built on victories, but on shared experiences and mutual understanding."
Regarding the goalkeeper selection, Alfaro clearly stated: "Orlando will continue to be the goalkeeper. About Orlando, I want to say that those goals conceded were not because of Orlando; the opponent's shots were indeed very brilliant. Everyone hopes the goalkeeper can save all shots, but that's how football is. When a team like Paraguay loses, everyone who wasn't on the field becomes the best option."
Speaking about the choice of center forward, Alfaro said: "If I had Roque Santa Cruz, Salvador Cabañas, Nelson, Haedo, or Tacuara in their prime, there would be no doubt about who plays. Now our forwards have different characteristics, and we need to choose according to the needs when facing different defenses. Against the United States, the opponent pressed high after losing possession and was very physically strong. The US defenders' top speed exceeded 33 kilometers per hour, so you can't just rely on speed to beat them. In tight spaces, we need a player who can handle the ball well with skill under pressure."
Speaking about Galarza's usage, Alfaro said: "Galarza is a very versatile player. In the match against Bolivia, I used him in three different positions: central midfielder, wing-back, and finally operating on the outside of two lines of four. At halftime, I asked him if he could play on the left, and he said: 'Coach, you can put me anywhere, I will definitely help.' That day, he didn't just help; he played an excellent game."
Alfaro continued: "Galarza has played many good matches for the national team. He can start from left midfield, or from the center, or appear in a three-midfielder system. He has strong adaptability. In the match against Uruguay, he played exceptionally well, finishing at the far post. In the match against Peru, he also finished the game in the left midfield position and decided the game in the last match of the qualifiers."
Alfaro stated: "In some confined areas, Galarza's reasonable physical impact will force opponents to retreat. The match against Turkey might certainly be different because the opponent is different. Even if we play the United States again tomorrow, the game might be different. We must increase our possession ability and be more coordinated in our movements. We have been watching FIFA World Cup matches together, and also analyzed the Australia-Turkey match together; the whole team watched and discussed it, which shows the team's commitment."
Regarding external speculation about starting lineup changes, Alfaro said: "I am with the players every day, I see their performance, and I know what the team has, what it lacks, what can be solved, and what cannot. In football, you can't do magic; either you have it or you don't."
Alfaro said: "There is a trust issue here. You can say that if we continue to trust these players, we will be out if we lose again. Yes, that's the risk, and that's the decision. I do this because I believe they are the most suitable players we have, and they possess the physical, technical, mental, and personality conditions required for the start of this match."
Alfaro emphasized: "I am here to make decisions. The 26-man squad was chosen by me, the tactics were set by me, and the team was also chosen by me. I have told the players and you that in the last match, we were tactically and strategically outplayed. Who am I talking about? I am talking about the head coach. I am not saying that individuals made mistakes in a certain area; I am taking responsibility. I have been taking responsibility my whole life, from the first match against Uruguay to the last match of the FIFA World Cup, I will take full responsibility for everything."
Alfaro also said: "Tomorrow is about fighting spirit. Our fighting spirit was hit hard in the last match, and no one likes to lose like that. I have absolute trust in the current players; they have been playing finals since the first day I arrived here, and some moments have been very difficult. Regardless of whether we can play the FIFA World Cup we want, or achieve the dream the nation expects, the fact is that Paraguay has returned to the FIFA World Cup after 16 years. If the result is not good, we must learn from experience because we have already qualified for the next FIFA World Cup, and we must act accordingly in the future to avoid repeating the problems that happened here."
Speaking about the meaning of "resetting to zero," Alfaro explained: "What I mean by resetting to zero is returning to our consistent foundation, returning to what we wanted to do against the United States but didn't. We didn't suddenly set up a three-man defense, or do things we don't usually do. For me, we had problems in various aspects, first and foremost at the tactical and strategic level, and I will take responsibility for that. We also acknowledge other problems."
Alfaro said: "We have always talked about dreams, not expectations. Expectations come from what you already have, from acquired rights. What we have are dreams. Paraguay has not been on this stage for 16 years, and we don't know how we will respond to this scenario. Our dream is to respond well and play the FIFA World Cup that the nation wants and that we want."
Alfaro called on the public to protect the players: "If anyone is to be criticized, criticize me. I have thick skin; come at me, not the players. Protect them. I will leave after the FIFA World Cup, but the players will continue to be here, and they will continue to represent this country. Players are the most valuable asset of the national team. You can demand a lot from them, but also think clearly about what kind of Paraguayan football and what kind of national team you want."
Alfaro continued: "Today I say again, criticize me, protect the players. All lost games, all mistakes, are on the head coach. Players must be protected because they will defend this history and the emblem on their chest. You can criticize the head coach to no end, no problem."
Galarza spoke about the team's internal reaction, saying: "Losing to the United States certainly hurts; it was a cold shower for everyone. Saturday was full of sadness, but by Sunday, either we move on, or we ask what Paraguay wants, what our team wants. Now the US match is over, tomorrow is a final, and that's how we see it. This team has proven in the past that we have gone through many difficulties and played many finals. Tomorrow is another final, and the next one too, and we will continue like this."
Speaking about goalkeeper Orlando, Galarza said: "I am not a coach, but I have known Orlando for a long time, when he was still at San Lorenzo in Paraguay. I think he is a very excellent goalkeeper. Now he is successful in Argentina, and several European clubs are watching him, which he fully deserves. If the coach decides to start him, the entire team will support him. Whoever plays, we are united, determined, and confident about tomorrow's match."
Regarding his position, Galarza said: "This week has been quite long, and we have worked on the opponent. Every opponent is different. As for whether I will play central or wide, I don't want to say. Wherever the coach puts me, I will give my best performance, do what the game and the coach ask, and support the team. The most important thing is Paraguay."