Overview
- Paraguay lost 4-1 to the United States in the World Cup opener, and former captain José Luis Chilavert has publicly held coach Gustavo Alfaro responsible for the defeat, criticizing his match reading and preparation.
- Chilavert said the team ‘never had a defined tactical system,’ argued set pieces were not worked, and condemned Alfaro for delaying the choice of a starting goalkeeper, which he said hurt squad stability.
- The ex-goalkeeper also singled out Orlando Gill for failing to communicate with his defense and condemned what he described as casual player behavior after the loss, including selfies and lighthearted images.
- Orlando Gill’s partner, Melissa Ávalos, pushed back on Chilavert’s comments, accusing him of personal or commercial motives and defending Gill’s character in social media posts.
- There have been no reported formal sanctions or decisions by the Paraguayan federation or Alfaro since the remarks, but the dispute has widened national debate over coaching, preparation and the team’s identity ahead of matches with Turkey and Australia.