Paraguay train hard in Philadelphia, Alfaro channels Bielsa before France tie | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Paraguay staged a second high-intensity session in Philadelphia on Wednesday in 35 to 36 degree heat, sharpening for the World Cup last-16 against France.

They arrived on Tuesday, a day after eliminating Germany on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The session was at the University of Pennsylvania, the same pitch France used before beating Iraq 3-0 on 23 June, with kick-off on Saturday at 23:00.

Players worked in small groups on conditioning, including punishing 15/15 runs in full sun and tight pressing rondos. Faces flushed and shirts drenched, notably for Strasbourg’s Julio Enciso, yet there were no complaints.

Coach Gustavo Alfaro, widely nicknamed the professor, set a Bielsa-like tone. He paced the pitch alone before the session, head down, then checked the surrounding tarpaulin for gaps, wary of prying eyes. His backroom team looked sizeable, seemingly far larger than France’s.

The half-closed session offered few clues. Defender Omar Alderete, 29, continued individual work after a knee issue, completing sharp sprints that suggested he could be available. Alfaro also ran tactical shape with part of the group, alternating a back five and a back four.

After about an hour the players finished with barefoot laps to aid recovery, a routine apparently common for this squad. They will train again on Thursday in similar heat, this time behind closed doors.

Source: L'Équipe