Paraguay’s reward for pulling off one of the biggest shocks at this year’s
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It’s easy to see why France were so many people’s pre-tournament favourites. Manager Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches in attack, led by the phenomenal Mbappe, who appears to be a man on a mission.
The superstar forward endured a difficult end to the season at Real Madrid but has been at his scintillating best in North America. He already has six goals to his name and seems determined to make up for the disappointment of losing to Argentina four years ago by leading Les Bleus to a third successive final.
It is not just Mbappe who has looked sensational. Olise has more assists (five) than anyone else, Dembele has registered four goals and two assists, while Barcola has two goals and an assist to his name. If they somehow misfire, then Deschamps can call on rising star Desire Doue and Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.
The million-dollar question that is surely on Alfaro’s mind is how to stop a French attack that has scored 13 goals in four matches. He’ll hope the answer is an ultra-disciplined low block from his defence and an intense press from his midfield and forwards.
It certainly worked against Germany, who were restricted to just six shots on target across 120 minutes in Boston, with Paraguay defenders Canale and Gustavo Gomez producing some heroic blocks.
It will take another courageous team effort against the French, who will themselves have to be wary of not getting caught on the counter-attack, with La Albirroja boasting quality forwards in the form of Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron.
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Paraguay 0-3 France
FourFourTwo expects another convincing victory for the French, with Mbappe adding to his total.
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