The report says Almiron is suspended after being dismissed during the win over Turkey, leaving Alfaro with a difficult selection decision before the decisive Group D meeting.
Almiron’s value is not limited to goals or assists. He can press aggressively, carry the ball through midfield and turn a turnover into an attack within seconds. His movement also gives Paraguay an outlet when opponents push forward.
Without him, Paraguay may need a more conservative midfielder to protect possession, or a wider player capable of reproducing Almiron’s running. Either way, the balance changes. Australia may see an opportunity to press higher, particularly if Paraguay lack their usual pace in transition.
Alfaro reportedly told Almiron to “change that face” after the dismissal, reminding him that Paraguay had still secured the victory. The manager also said the player was “in a lot of pain” and had apologised to his team-mates.
That reaction captures the risk of losing a senior figure at such a critical stage. Almiron’s absence is a tactical setback, but it also removes an experienced voice from a match in which composure could decide qualification.
Paraguay can reportedly progress with victory, while a draw may keep their hopes alive. Defeat, however, would put their place in the next round in serious danger.
Almiron later thanked his team-mates for “giving everything in each ball”, a message that reflects the spirit Paraguay showed after going down to ten men.
Now that spirit must carry them again. The Australia match will reveal whether Alfaro’s side can replace Almiron’s influence collectively-and whether the controversy becomes a footnote or the defining moment of Paraguay’s campaign.