BOSTON, United States, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro said Sunday that playing against powerful South American rivals had given his team self-belief ahead of its World Cup round-of-32 clash with Germany.
Alfaro said he was not concerned by his team's underdog status ahead of Monday's game at Boston Stadium.
"We've already faced Argentina and Brazil, teams of the same stature or even greater stature than Germany," the Argentine told reporters.
"They're all contenders to win the World Cup. We've already played against them and, obviously, it was very difficult, but we managed to get through those matches. So why not this one?" the coach said.
Paraguay progressed to the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-placed sides in the group phase while Germany advanced after topping Group E.
Alfaro responded to criticism of his team's defensive approach to a goalless draw against Australia in their final Group D match on Thursday.
"Paraguay must be the only place where qualifying for the next round wasn't celebrated," he said.
"While people in Paraguay were watching World Cups on television, Australia was playing in them. You do what you can to get the result you need," he added, alluding to Paraguay's return to the World Cup after a 16-year wait.
According to Alfaro, defense will play an increasingly important part as the competition progresses.
"The teams that dominate possession will go the furthest. But if they don't have defensive strength, they'll struggle," he said. "So who will prevail? The team with the strongest defense." ■
