SEATTLE - After two really bad years under Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Paraguay decided to pursue Daniel Garnero as the new coach for the national team. The Argentine had been making a name for himself at the Paraguayan league since 2016, winning a league title with Guaraní before moving to the two biggest clubs in the country: Olimpia and Libertad.
Overall, Garnero won eight league titles before taking on the national team job and, less than a year into the new gig, Copa América 2024 will be a true test to see where this new generation stands.
The two-time Copa América champions haven't had a deep run in the tournament since 2015, when they finished in fourth place, eliminating Brazil in the quarterfinals. Since then, Paraguay has only won two of its 12 Copa América games and hasn't made it past the quarterfinal round.
Paraguay's Copa América quick facts
Group: D
Best result: champions (2 times); hasn't gotten past the quarterfinals since 2015
Coach: Daniel Garnero (appointed September 2023); 2-3-2 W-L-D record
All-time Paraguayan top scorer in Copa América: Juan Bautista Villalba (9 goals)
Where is Paraguay playing?
Paraguay will make its Copa América 2024 debut against contenders Colombia at Houston's NRG Stadium. Four days later, 'La Albirroja' will travel to Las Vegas for a blockbuster matchup against Brazil. They will return to Texas on July 2 to face Costa Rica in Austin.
June 24: Colombia vs Paraguay - NRG Stadium, Houston
June 28: Brazil vs Paraguay - Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
July 2: Costa Rica vs Paraguay - Q2 Stadium, Austin
Paraguay's 26-man list for Copa América
Goalkeepers: Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls), Alfredo Aguilar (Sportivo Luqueño), Rodrigo Morínigo (Libertad).
Defenders: Omar Alderete (Getafe), Fabián Balbuena (Dinamo Moscow), Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras), Júnior Alonso (Krasnodar), Gustavo Velázquez (Newell's Old Boys), Iván Ramírez (Libertad), Matías Espinoza (Libertad), Néstor Giménez (Libertad).
Midfielders: Matías Rojas (Inter Miami), Richard Sánchez (Club América), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Mathías Villasanti (Gremio), Damián Bobadilla (São Paulo), Hernesto Caballero (Libertad), Fabrizio Peralta (Cerro Porteño).
Forwards: Ramón Sosa (Talleres), Miguel Almirón (Newcastle United), Julio Enciso (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alejandro Romero (Al-Ain), Adam Bareiro (San Lorenzo), Alex Arce (Liga de Quito), Derlis González (Olimpia), Ángel Romero (Corinthians).
Notable absence
Diego Gómez
The young midfielder did not make the cut in Daniel Garnero's list despite a fantastic season with Inter Miami. The 21-year-old has played 13 games for the Herons in all competitions in 2024 but hasn't featured since suffering an ankle injury in late April.
The exciting young Paraguayan helped his country win CONMEBOL's Pre-Olympic tournament as Paraguay qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2004.
He was the captain of the team and finished the tournament tied for the most goals all while earning the award for best player. If he recovers on time, he could represent 'La Albirroja' in Paris 2024.
Player to watch
Miguel Almirón
This will be an important summer for Newcastle star Miguel Almirón. According to reports, the Paraguayan could be looking for a new club and a good Copa América 2024 could facilitate a move to a top European team.
Despite not having as great of a season, Almirón played in a lot of games for Newcastle and even made his Champions League debut. He played in 45 games this past season and scored five goals for the Magpies.
With 'Los Guaraníes,' Almirón has more than 50 caps at the senior level since making his debut as a 21-year-old back in 2015. He was part of Paraguay's squad for Copa América Centenario in 2016, starting his first game for 'La Albirroja' against Colombia.
The 2024 edition will be his fourth appearance at the continental competition where he has played 10 games and scored one goal.
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