WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro said Monday that the friendly against Mexico in the United States will provide an ideal opportunity for his team to gauge its progress ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup.
Paraguay enters Tuesday's clash in San Antonio, Texas, following a 2-1 friendly defeat to the United States in Philadelphia on Saturday, while Mexico was held to a goalless home draw by Uruguay the same day.
"Mexico is always a team that represents a challenge," Alfaro told a news conference. "In that sense, the goal of improving is always there, and we know that it will be a tough match because of the high level that Mexico always has."
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.
Mexico earned a direct berth due to its co-host status, and Alfaro said he would not underestimate the North American team.
"They have a very good manager [Javier Aguirre] and are technically excellent," he said.
"They also benefit from having an impressive domestic league. Very few of their players are based in Europe and that speaks volumes for the league's strength." Enditem
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