Here in Paraguay we all paint our faces to symbolise the "grito guarani", the indigenous scream, the passion and the strength. No matter the weather, we all drink "terere", which is a cold herbal drink, like the mate, but cold.
We admire the players, their devotion and their sacrifice. Most of them live abroad so we don't see them often, but whenever they're here they are followed everywhere, as most of them were born here. Who didn't see them kicking their first footballs in the neighbourhood? We saw them grow up, succeed, fail, rise up again. The players represent the farmer, the tireless fighter.
South Americans have a very different game style and I think it has to do with the spaces where they grow up. Brazilians play in small spaces and juggle the ball because they grow up in big cities with smaller pitches. We Paraguayans are known for our aerial game, and it's because our pitches are wider and longer. Also, South Americans have that spark, they dare to break the mould, slip their markers, and switch quickly from defence to attack.
We are living the World Cup with passion and the entire country is paralysed whenever Paraguay is playing.
Some people have sworn to shave their heads or walk around naked with their body painted with the flag if the team wins. But most of us just pray to the local Virgin of Caacupe.
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