Derlis's decisive input changes the game

His entry in the second half of the match against Argentina with a 2-0 score laid the foundations for the Paraguayan recovery, arriving at the Copa America with little favoritism. With his play, he confused Messi's team, who let victory slip away at the end of the game. Coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged this by saying:

"Derlis also made a decisive impact on the right side, but he should have been sent off when he entered," explained the Argentine coach.

At 21 years old, the Basel forward is one of the players called upon to assume the legacy of the historical figures. He understands this and absorbs the advice of Justo Villar, Nelson Haedo Valdes, and Roque Santa Cruz. These are his impressions prior to the match against Uruguay on Saturday in La Serena.

The fans' mistrust: "It made us sad that people didn't trust us, but it gave us more strength to come and have a great Copa America, to show that we can do it. Today, we are competing for the top spots in the group, something that many didn't imagine."

The coach's instructions: "Ramón tells me to come in and have fun."

Paraguay's level: "This is just the beginning, and there is a lot of room for improvement. Ramón has only been working continuously with the group for two weeks to understand what he wants. It works in some parts of the game but not others, but it's normal. It's a new coaching staff with new players, and we are getting to know each other here."

Advice from the veterans: "Defending the Paraguayan shirt is a privilege for all of us here. The veterans talk to me, warn me about how things are going to be, and I have to listen to them because they have been through this several times, and it will help me a lot."

Uruguay's favoritism: "We depend on ourselves, so there won't be any problem in that sense. We have to play our game."