France have won all four matches so far, all four by at least two goals margin, and scored 13 goals total. Paraguay have very limited attacking options and I don’t expect much from them in Philadelphia.
Key Stats
- Paraguay had just 7 shots on target in their last 4 matches.
- France have won 9 of their last 10 matches.
- France have won to nil in 2 of their last 3 matches.
- France have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 matches against Paraguay.
- Michael Olise has scored 3 goals in his last 5 matches for France.
Five Previous Meetings
Paraguay have never won a match against France, Les Bleus claiming three victories in five meetings.
Paraguay Had Low xG in All of Their Matches
After opening the tournament with a convincing 4-1 defeat against USA, Paraguay have found stability and claimed three huge points in a 1-0 victory against Turkey where Matias Galarza netted the only goal.
In the final round, La Albirroja needed a point to secure a playoff spot and settled for a goalless draw against Australia, where both sides were too cautious to push forward. Paraguay recorded 0.24-0.55 expected goals and a 2-5 deficit in shots on target.
They were tagged massive underdogs in the Round of 32 clash against Germany, gained lead just before the break with Julio Enciso scoring a header, but the match went extra-time and penalties where the South American side won.
Les Bleus Look Unstoppable
Their campaign started with a 3-1 win over Senegal where Kylian Mbappe netted a brace in the second half, followed by beating of underdog Iraq 3-0, not allowing a single shot on target while posting 2.67 xG. Mbappe scored another brace here, Ousmane Dembele also on target.
Even without their head coach Didier Deschamps who had to miss third match due to personal reasons, France claimed another three points against Norway 4-1. Dembele stole the spotlight this time with his hat-trick.
It took them some time to break Swedish defense in the Round of 32, Mbappe scoring just before the break, ultimately leading to a 3-0 victory (scored another goal later, Bradley Barcola also on target). France had 3.24-0.70 xG here and fired 25 shots.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Paraguay (4-4-2) Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Junior Alonso, Jose Canale, Gustavo Gomez; Miguel Almiron, Andres Cubas, Damian Bobadilla, Matias Galarza; Julio Enciso, Gabriel Avalos
Paraguay have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this match. Matias Galarza has been their standout performer in the tournament so far, scoring one goal and registering an assist against Germany. He and Julio Enciso should be the biggest threat for French defense.
Paraguay have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this match. Matias Galarza has been their standout performer in the tournament so far, scoring one goal and registering an assist against Germany. He and Julio Enciso should be the biggest threat for French defense.
France (4-2-3-1) Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele; Kylian Mbappe
Latest reports state that Desire Doue is struggling with fitness and most likely will start on bench again. There were some concerns regarding Michael Olise and a minor knock, but that looks to be sorted out. Kylian Mbappe is sharing the top goalscorer spot with Leo Messi, both players netting six times so far.