Pelusso: Paraguay are coming to win in Uruguay

Pelusso: Paraguay are coming to Uruguay to win

27 Feb 2013 5:55:00 PM

The Celeste boss said that, despite his roots being planted firmly in his home country, he will be aiming to beat them next month, a stance that almost caused a clash with a fan

Paraguay coach Gerardo Pelusso has said that he is coming to Uruguay to win when the two teams play on March 22.

The 59-year-old grew up near Montevideo, but is putting all sentiment for his homeland to one side as he looks to help his side qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

“Absolutely everybody, whether on the beach or on the street, was asking me what’s going to happen on 22 March,” Pelusso was quoted as saying by FIFA.com.

“And I said the same thing to all of them: ‘It’s no big deal, we’re coming to try and win and that’s that'. There’s far too much riding on this game for me to be wondering what’s going to happen when I come out of the tunnel or when the national anthems are played.”

"There was one guy who didn’t like that answer and we almost ended up scuffling in the middle of the street. But I don’t know what he expected me to say - I’m the Paraguay coach!

"It’s a sporting occasion, not a war. And I have to say that Uruguay and Paraguay have a lot in common, especially in how friendly and polite their people are, except for that one guy!"

Pelusso’s side are currently bottom of the South American qualification group, with seven points from nine matches.

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