Diego Gomez broke down in tears at a press conference, then suffered bitter World Cup disappointment as Paraguay were thrashed 4-1 by co hosts USA in Los Angeles.
Gomez, Julio Enciso and their teammates were beaten comprehensively in their World Cup opener, a result that came as a massive shock to Paraguay, who had left for their first World Cup since 2010 with plenty of optimism.
‘This is what we feel’
Emotions had been running high. Gomez was in tears after being put forward for the pre match press conference. He was encouraged and embraced by head coach Gustavo Alfaro as he found it increasingly hard to talk about what the big game meant to him.
Sympathetic reporters applauded as Alfaro told them: “There aren’t words. This is what we feel. This is what all Paraguay feels and what the players also feel.”
Holding back tears, Gomez said: “You know me. I am very emotional and I will try to give 100% to bring happiness to the people.”
The nightmare in Los Angeles
But the big night fell horribly flat. Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, a former England under 21 international who was at one stage thought to be of interest to Brighton, scored two well taken first half goals. The USA ran out comfortable winners.
Gomez said: “We are sad about the result. Now we need to get our heads back up for the next game against Turkey.”
Enciso’s dream debut turns sour
Former Albion forward Enciso started the game, a week after his own tearful exit from a friendly sparked fears he would miss at least the first two fixtures.
“We’re hurt. We didn’t want to give this to our country. It wasn’t the best start, but we have to turn this around,” Enciso said.
“I was able to fulfil my dream. It wasn’t how I expected, but it’s my debut. There are two games left. We have to improve to advance to the next round.”
The bottom line
A press conference full of tears. A match that turned into a nightmare.
Gomez gave everything emotionally before the game. But emotion alone couldn’t stop the USA.
Paraguay’s first World Cup since 2010 started with a thud. Now they have two games to salvage something.
Turkey awaits. Then it’s do or die.
Gomez promised to bring happiness to the people. That promise remains unfulfilled. But there is still time.
Just about.
