ASUNCION, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza says the Albirroja is setting high ambitions as it prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 2010.
The South American team will step up preparations for next year's tournament with friendlies against the United States and Mexico over the next week.
Galarza pointed to his team's home 2-1 victory over Argentina in November last year as proof that anything is possible.
"Our objective, always, is to be champions," Galarza told reporters. "We beat the current world champions, so we are ready for any team that we have to come up against."
Paraguay has not featured at the World Cup finals since the 2010 edition in South Africa, where it reached the quarterfinals for the first time.
It secured a place at next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada by finishing sixth in the 10-team South American qualifying group.
Galarza said Paraguay would treat Saturday's match against the United States in Philadelphia and next Tuesday's game against Mexico in Torreon with full focus.
"As the manager [Gustavo Alfaro] said, these are preparatory matches against World Cup teams," the 23-year-old said. "We will approach them as if it were the World Cup." ■
