Paraguay's National Team Welcomes Gaston Olveira
The Paraguayan Football Association announced on Sunday evening the roster of players selected to participate in friendly matches against Greece and Morocco this March, featuring Uruguayan goalkeeper Gastón Olveira as one of the three goalkeepers included in the squad. The Albirroja will face Greece in Athens on Friday, March 27, at 4 PM, followed by a match against Morocco in Lens, France, on Tuesday, March 31, at 3 PM. These matches are part of the FIFA date and serve as preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup to be hosted in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Olveira, who plays for Olimpia, has recently completed his five-year residency in Paraguay and finalized his naturalization process last Thursday. His selection was made by head coach Gustavo Alfaro, who recognized the talent and experience Olveira brings to the team.
Although Olveira has been called up by the Uruguayan national team on two occasions, he has yet to see any playing time. His previous call-ups were under coach Óscar Washington Tabárez for a World Cup qualifier against Peru in 2019, and more recently by Marcelo Broli for friendlies against Japan and South Korea in 2023.
Chilavert's Praise for Olveira
Former Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert praised Olveira weeks prior to his confirmation in the squad, stating, "Without knowing he could be nationalized, I had already suggested that Alfaro should consider him. He possesses the necessary experience, plays in important matches, and has the qualities to be included in the list of goalkeepers alongside Orlando Gill and [Roberto] Gatito Fernández." Chilavert further commented, "If I were the coach, I would take him to the World Cup. The best players should be part of the national team. If he comes to contribute and enhance the team, no one should be upset. It’s crucial to have quality players on the team. Olveira is brave and very intelligent when it comes to one-on-one situations. To be a good goalkeeper, one needs to have strong psychology, personality in the box, and the right skills, all of which he possesses," he declared on Venus.
As reported by montevideo.com.uy.
