Open vacancy in Paraguay: fierce dispute between midfielders from Palmeiras and São Paulo after expulsion under the ‘Vini Jr. Law’
The Paraguayan national team is looking for a replacement for Miguel Almirón, who was suspended for one game by FIFA after becoming the first athlete to receive a red card based on the recently applied “Vini Jr.” Law. For the important match against Australia, coach Gustavo Alfaro can opt for Maurício, a midfielder from Palmeiras, or Bobadilla, who plays for São Paulo. The decisive clash in the final round of Group D of the World Cup is scheduled for this Thursday, at 11pm (Brasília time), and will take place in Santa Clara, in the United States.
The player Maurício, born in Brazil and naturalized from Paraguay, participated in the opening match against the United States. He came on in the second half and was responsible for the team’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat. However, in the 1-0 victory over Turkey, coach Gustavo Alfaro did not use him. Bobadilla started as a starter in the game against the Americans, scoring an own goal, but started on the bench against the Turks, only entering the final stage.
According to Paraguayan media reports, Maurício emerges as the main candidate to fill the vacancy left by Almirón. On the other hand, Bobadilla would represent a strategic choice that aims to provide greater solidity and balance to the marking in the midfield sector.
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Almirón’s expulsion occurred after he was caught covering his mouth during an argument on the field, during the confrontation with Turkey. This attitude resulted in a red card under FIFA’s new rule, informally known as the “Vini Jr.” Law. The rule was implemented to suppress offensive gestures and communications in moments of tension in games. The move represents a significant milestone, underlining FIFA’s commitment to promoting greater respect and ethics in football, especially in response to incidents of discrimination and unsportsmanlike behavior observed in recent years, making this expulsion the first of many expected to impose new standards of conduct.
The creation of this FIFA guideline was catalyzed by a notorious incident involving striker Vinícius Júnior, who reported being the target of racist insults by Prestianni, then a Benfica player. During the episode, the Argentine athlete used his hands to cover his mouth and, despite denying the accusations, he was subsequently sanctioned by UEFA with a six-match suspension.
In Group D of the World Cup, the United States have already secured their qualification for the next phase in first place. Now, Australia and Paraguay face each other in a direct duel for the second place in the group. The team that emerges victorious ensures its passage, while the defeated team will have to wait for other results to try for one of the eight places allocated to the best third-placed teams. An equal score, however, could favor the classification of both teams. Turkey, in turn, no longer has a chance of advancing in the competition.
