The Game That Opened a Door
It began with a modest game of Football Manager and a single 2006 World Cup match where England faced Paraguay. The unexpected brilliance of the Paraguayan side caught the author's eye, planting a seed that would grow into a lifelong fascination with the country's football culture.
By 2019 the author was regularly covering South American football, but Paraguay remained an under‑the‑radar story. A connection with Paraguayan journalist Roberto Rojas opened the door to deeper insight, while a friendship with Ralph Hannah helped launch the Guaraní Vision podcast, a platform dedicated to amplifying Paraguayan voices.
During the lockdown months the author seized the quiet to interview Paraguayan players Jorge Morel and Matías Villasanti. A thoughtful gesture from a London‑based Paraguayan friend arrived in the form of homemade empanadas, a small but symbolic taste of home that reinforced the personal bonds forming across continents.
The narrative then turned to the historic moments on the pitch. The author explored Sergio Orteman's pivotal role in Club Olimpia's 2002 Copa Libertadores triumph and traced Atlético Tembetary's climb to the top flight, weaving together club lore with national pride.
A chance encounter at Anfield added a personal twist: Ricardo, a Liverpool supporter born in Paraguay, was spotted by the author while wearing his team's colors. The meeting underscored how football can bridge distant cultures in the most unexpected of places.
In 2022 the author finally set foot in Paraguay, wandering the streets of Asunción, the bustling markets of Ciudad del Este, and the historic town of Caaguazú, birthplace of rising star Julio Enciso. Each city offered a distinct flavor, from street‑side asado to the chants echoing in local stadiums.
The World Cup qualifying campaign provided a dramatic backdrop. Under Gustavo Alfaro's stewardship Paraguay surged from early setbacks to remarkable victories over Brazil and Argentina, turning a modest point against Ecuador into a ticket to the global tournament.
The journey extended beyond the pitch. At the Olympic Games in Bordeaux the author met a group of Paraguayans cheering for their national team, sharing stories over food and drink. Later, a reunion with friends Milton and Juanjo for an asado brought the conversation full circle, reflecting on Salvador Cabañas' lasting impact and the nation's footballing heartbeat.
A Culture Stitched by the Beautiful Game
Through interviews, travels, and shared meals, the author discovered that football in Paraguay is more than a sport; it is a thread weaving together identity, memory, and community. The passion displayed on the fields of Asunción, the pride in every qualifying match, and the personal connections forged along the way illustrate how a simple game can transform into a lifelong love affair with a nation.