Suspension of Games: Bulgaria Emerges as an Emergency Opponent

Following the suspension of games against Venezuela and Argentina (due to promoters' contract breach), Bulgaria emerged as an emergency opponent.

BETTER VERSION.

"The match has to bring us closer to our best version, and that's what we want as a team," said coach Eduardo Berizzo in the pre-match press conference.

The coach also emphasized, "There is no easy game, I expect an intense match, with a lot of aggressiveness in ball recovery and a lot of verticality."

Furthermore, striker Darío Lezcano pointed out, "These games will be important for the group to continue growing, before the start of the Qualifiers."

The only previous encounter was at the 1998 World Cup in France. On June 12 (in Montpellier) in the group stage, Paraguay drew 0-0 against the Bulgarians.

After the match, Paraguay will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to face the host team on Tuesday, November 19 (at 13:30) in the last friendly match of the year.

THE FIGURES:

Derlis González has scored 3 goals, the most in this era. The 25-year-old forward has played 12 matches.

Eduardo Berizzo has used 40 players in the 12 matches he has coached. He has won 2, drawn 5, and lost 5.