Paraguay
Paraguay have had a strange start to the world cup campaign. On matchday 1 they were hammered 4-1 by co-hosts USA in Los Angeles and looked like they would be going home at the first hurdle, however just 5 days later they turned in a superb performance to beat Turkiye 1-0.
In hindsight it looks like Paraguay just got sucked into the hype regarding USA as they were swept aside in the openig fixture with Mauricio bring the only crumb of comfort with a late consolation.
Next up was much fancied Turkiye and not many thought Paraguay would pick up the three points but that is exactly what they did, performaing much better and claiming a 1-0 win despite the sending off of former Newcastle Utd attacker Miguel Almiron.
Injuries & Team News
Miguel Almiron will miss the Australia game following his stupid sending off aginst Turkiye. It’s a big blow for Paraguay as he is the highest scorer in their world cup squad.
Gustavo Velazquez may have to be used in a slightly more advanced role on Friday, though it remains to be seen whether he will be able to deliver much of an attacking impact.
There were also fears about the fitness of midfielder Diego Gomez, who was taken off against Turkey, but he has reportedly overcome his discomfort in time for his side’s final group game.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs Turkiye | W W L W L W |
Predicted Line-Up
Paraguay possible starting lineup:
Gill; Caceres, G Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Velazquez, Cubas, D Gomez, Galarza; Pitta, Enciso
Australia
Australia have certainly improved for having to qualify through Asian Qualifying rather than Oceania, they are much more competitve facing better opposition on a regular occurance. They came through Qualifying relatively unscathed.
On matchday 1 they surprised everyone with their 2-0 win over the much fancied Turkiye side. Despitw only 27% Possession they claimed a 2-0 victory with goals by Nestory Ikankunda & Coonor Metcalfe.
On Matchday 2 things got too much for them when they were well beaten by Co-Hosts USA in Seattle, the Socceroos just never got going and were beaten in every facet of the game. A Cameron Burgess (OG) & Alex Freeman goals secured a 2-0 win.
Injuries & Team News
The Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has concerns over the fitness of Mathew Leckie, the Melbourne City winger suffered a muscle strain against the USA in Seattle.
That is the only real concern for Popovic although he could name Nestory Ikankunda in the starting side after he was left out in Seattle.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-2 vs USA | W W L D W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Australia possible starting lineup:
Beach; Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Bos; Volpato, Toure, Irankunda
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Paraguay Win | 2/1 – (3.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 13/10 – (2.30) | Dream Vegas |
| Australia Win | 2/1 – (3.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Paraguay 1-0 Australia
We didn’t see the real Paraguay in the opening game against USA. however we saw more of what they are about against Turkiye and if that team shows up i think they will edge past the Socceroos.