Paraguay Coach Alfaro Calls 4-1 USA Defeat a Painful Lesson

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro did not shy away from the scale of his side's defeat, describing the 4-1 loss to co-hosts United States on Friday as a very painful lesson, according to Reuters. The result left Paraguay with a difficult start to their World Cup campaign.

Alfaro's honesty after the match reflected the size of the task ahead for Paraguay. The co-hosts, buoyed by a loud home crowd in Los Angeles, put in a statement performance that left their opponents with plenty to think about.

Despite the heavy defeat, Alfaro's focus will quickly turn to recovery. Paraguay will need to show a very different side of themselves in their remaining group games if they are to stay alive in the tournament.