ASUNCION, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro said Friday that upcoming friendlies in North America would help his team sharpen their preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup.
Paraguay will meet the United States in the greater Philadelphia area on Saturday before facing Mexico in Torreon on Tuesday.
"Both teams are tough opponents, and they are in very good shape," Alfaro told reporters. "They are above our level and give me the chance to try a few things out."
"The idea in these warm-up matches is to work on the details, but our real progress will only be evident at the World Cup."
Alfaro added that the United States' MLS-based players were on a "similar physical level" to those who play in Europe.
"It's a tough league that is only getting better," the Argentine said.
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.
Paraguay has 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. ■
