The impossible utopia of Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay took another huge step after eliminating Germany on penalties in the round of 32 of the World Cup.
Now the Albirroja will face an even greater challenge when they take on France in the round of 16, a team that arrives after thrashing Sweden and is looking to move closer to another World Cup conquest.
Below is all the key information you need to know before the Paraguay vs. France game. Let’s get into it.
Paraguay vs. France
Kickoff: 5:00 pm ET/2:00 pm PT
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Watch on FOX, Telemundo and fuboTV
Paraguay is living a dream. After drawing 1-1 with Germany over 120 minutes, the Albirroja, under Alfaro’s command, sealed qualification in the penalty shootout 4-3 and became the surprise of the tournament, so far. All more so considering that their qualification to this knockout stage came from third place in the group. Julio Enciso scored the South American goal, and Orlando Gill was the standout for his saves from the penalty spot.
Alfaro’s game plan once again worked, as Paraguay reduced the spaces and managed to maintain the draw until the penalties. Lanus defender José Canale converted the penalty that sealed qualification. Now, to face Les Bleus, he could repeat the lineup that brought him so much joy on Monday.
Speaking of France’s confidence in this World Cup is an understatement, especially after the 3-0 win over Sweden. Kylian Mbappé opened France’s account and deposited a brace, and Bradley Barcola also had his chance to score to qualify the team for the round of 16. There were no major complications. Didier Deschamps’ side dominated the match from start to finish, with 59% possession and an attacking output that could have resulted in an even larger margin.
Mbappé continues to expand his World Cup legacy. With these two goals, he reached 18 in World Cups and equaled Lionel Messi as the top scorer of the current tournament with six goals.
Paraguay: Team News & Predicted Lineups
Alfaro’s main uncertainty is Julio Enciso. Paraguay’s best offensive weapon in this World Cup (one goal and two assists) came off injured in the second half of the Germany match and will be evaluated in the hours leading up to the match.
Omar Alderete, Sunderland’s center-back who started all three group-stage matches, was not included in the squad for the match against Germany due to a knee problem, and his availability remains uncertain.
Diego Gómez, the Brighton midfielder, returns after serving an automatic suspension against Germany and will rejoin the starting lineup, strengthening Alfaro’s options in midfield.
The Guarani side also carries the physical toll of 120 minutes against Germany, played just five days before this round-of-16 match.
Paraguay predicted XI vs. France:
Gill; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Canale, J. Alonso;
Almirón, D. Gómez, Cubas, Galarza;
Ávalos, Enciso.
France: Team News & Predicted Lineups
Didier Deschamps has no confirmed absences and should repeat the same lineup that thrashed Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32.
The center-back pairing of Saliba and Upamecano has only conceded two goals in four tournament matches (one against Senegal and one against Norway), while Mike Maignan has looked secure in the few interventions required.
Marcus Thuram remains under evaluation due to a physical issue, but the Inter Milan striker is not part of Deschamps’ current starting lineup.
France predicted XI vs. Paraguay:
Maignan;
Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne;
Tchouaméni, Rabiot;
Dembélé, Olise, Barcola;
Mbappé.
Match prediction: Paraguay 0-3 France.
