Paraguay Coach: France Clash Will Be Our Biggest Test

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro has described France as an "electric storm" ahead of their World Cup last-16 meeting in Philadelphia.

Alfaro made the comparison at his pre-match press conference, saying France's attack sends "lightning" from every direction and leaves opponents looking for shelter. He then linked the image to his childhood in rural Argentina, recalling storms in Rafaela, Santa Fe, where there was nowhere to hide.

The Paraguay coach called the match his side's biggest test of the tournament and said the squad have learned a lot during the competition. Even so, he suggested that progress may not be enough against one of the main contenders for the title.

"For a team like France, we have to be even better than this," he said.

Alfaro also pointed to Paraguay's previous win over Germany, which he called a historic moment for the country and one that led to a national holiday. France and Paraguay meet on Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.