Drawing attention to Türkiye’s offensive power, former Paraguayan national football player Cristian Riveros said, “The key for us in this match will be to try to make good markings and to neutralize them well by preventing the main figures such as Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız from entering the game.”
Former football player Cristian Riveros, who once played for Kayserispor in the Super League and played 101 matches with the Paraguayan National Team and scored 15 goals, evaluated the Paraguay – Turkey match to be played in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“TURKISH CULTURE HAS LEFT A GREAT IMPACT ON ME”
Riveros started his speech by stating that Turkish culture had a great impact on him and said, “I really loved getting to know Turkish culture. It is a different but noble culture. I think Turkish citizens really love their culture and are very attached to their culture and country. I liked this very much. Just like the passion of fans for football, Turkish citizens are also very attached to their country and culture, and I always remember this.”
“IT WILL BE AN EVEN MATCH BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT STYLES”
Cristian Riveros pointed out that Turkey and Paraguay have different football styles and said, “I expect more from the result. It will be an even match because there are two different styles. Paraguay will probably try to defend well and be organized. It will play with great physical energy and great momentum to win the match. Since Türkiye has very good players with high technical capacity, I guess they will try to keep the ball and play upright football. Despite my love for Türkiye, I hope things are good for us.” “I will wait for my national team to win, but I hope the match goes well for both countries,” he said.
“THIS PARAGUAY TEAM IS OF BETTER QUALITY”
Comparing the current squad with the Paraguayan National Team when he played football, Riveros said, “I participated in two World Cups, the last one is the one that is remembered the most by our entire country. This new generation national team is really very similar in terms of the unity it has, as seen from the outside. Of course, I am not in the daily life of the team, but this is noticeable. They reflect this from the field to all the people. I do not like to compare, but I think this team is of better quality. They have many players who are going through good times and playing in Europe. That is why it is a good World Cup.” “I hope they can win the cup, be at a good level and continue on their way by making the rounds,” he said.
“Türkiye HAS AN ITALIAN COACH DIRECTOR WHO IS VERY GOOD IN TACTICS”
The former Paraguayan football player also spoke highly of Vincenzo Montella, the coach of the National Football Team. Cristian Riveros said, “Yes, they have an Italian coach who is really good at tactics. This means a more organized football. I think this has further added to the attacking characteristic of Türkiye. The Italian coach also gave the team a defensive order. This makes Türkiye a more complete national team that both defends well and attacks well.”
“THERE ARE PLAYERS SUCH AS ARDA GÜLER, KENAN YILDIZ AND HAKAN ÇALHANOĞLU WHO LEAD Türkiye”
Stating that Türkiye has many talented football players, Riveros said, “There are players who shine in their clubs in Europe and lead the Turkish National Team, such as Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. These players, who are figures in their teams and become champions, are really high-level and key names. These are the players I follow, especially Arda Güler because I love Real Madrid very much. So does Hakan Çalhanoğlu in Inter. These are definitely the players who will lead this national team and we should pay close attention.” “The Paraguayan National Team needs to be very alert and careful about what these football players can do,” he said.
“WE MUST ENSURE THAT ARDA, HAKAN AND KENAN PLAY AS LESS AS POSSIBLE”
‘What are the points that Paraguay should pay attention to against Türkiye?’ Cristian Riveros answered the question as follows:
“I hope the Paraguay National Team can win. But of course, I also have a love for Türkiye. I will probably want Türkiye to win in the next matches, but of course I will support my national team in this match. The key for us in this match will be to try to make good marking and neutralize the main figures such as Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız by preventing them from entering the game. I think we should make them play as little as possible. In this way, Paraguay can also get some chances to score goals and “There may be a chance of victory.”
“TURKISH FANS WILL FILL THEIR TRANSLATIONS IN THE WORLD CUP”
The former football player stated that he believes that the fans of both countries will present a visual feast in the stands and said, “Turkish fans will fill the stands in the World Cup. I do not think that I should or can give a warning to Paraguay about the fans, you just have to enjoy it. Because they create a feast. I think many Paraguayans will also be in the stands and I hope both fan groups will present a good show, a feast. Everything will happen without any problems, without any problems.” “I hope it ends without violence. That’s why I hope everything ends normally and the fans of both teams can have a great feast in this match,” he said.
“I WISH BOTH NATIONAL TEAMS CAN REACH THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE POINT”
Finally, Riveros wished for both Turkey and Paraguay to pass the group stage and said, “Although there is a home team in the group, which makes the situation even more difficult. They play on their own home ground. That’s why I hope the group stage can be passed, and then, of course, anything can happen match by match. That’s why I hope both national teams can reach the highest possible point.”