USA host Paraguay in their opening match of the World Cup in front of their home supporters at the Los Angeles Stadium.
By Matt Smith
It’s a huge occasion for Mauricio Pochettino‘s side as they look to get off to a strong start in front of expectant fans. They face a Paraguay side managed by Gustavo Alfaro, who will be playing with huge intensity and will be up for the event.
USA got the better of Paraguay when they met in a friendly back in November, but this is the first time they’ve met in the World Cup since 1930.
Team news
There are unlikely to be too many injury concerns for either manager heading into this game, with it being the start of the tournament. You’d expect the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams to feature from the start. Tim Ream could become the oldest player to appear for the US at a World Cup.
Crystal Palace centre back Chris Richards took the unusual step of declaring himself fit in the pre-match press conference!
Paraguay could be without Julio Enciso heading into this game, after he picked up an injury in a warm-up match against Nicaragua. It’s unconfirmed whether he will be fit enough to start this one after he was stretchered off.
USA testing themselves in recent months
Perhaps a purposeful schedule from the USA heading into the World Cup, Pochettino’s side have faced some tricky tests over the last few months. The USA have faced Uruguay, Belgium, Portugal, Senegal and Germany in friendlies. All strong sides competing at this tournament.
It’s a clever move from the USA to face strong European sides especially, as it’s rare that they get the opportunity to do so. Although results were certainly mixed, it was a real opportunity for them to test themselves.
Paraguay held their own in qualifying
Although Paraguay finished sixth from ten in their World Cup qualification group, they certainly held their own. They lost just four times, fewer than Brazil and the same number of losses as Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay.
Although they finished sixth, they were just one point off second, and it was their defensive solidity that helped get them over the line. They might not have the same attacking flair as some of their fellow South American sides, but they’ll bring a rigid, structured system which could do well at the tournament.
Pulisic’s time to shine
It was a strong first half of the season for Pulisic in Serie A, and he finished the campaign with 12 goals and four assists from just 18 starts (none of those goals came post-Christmas). The 27-year-old showed what he can do on the international stage against Senegal late last month, setting up a goal and scoring one himself in the first half, before being substituted.
Pulisic is undoubtedly the talisman for Pochettino’s side, and if they are to have any success at the tournament, they’ll need him to perform. The former Chelsea man could be the player to watch in this game, hoping to better his three goal contributions from the previous World Cup.
Prediction
In front of a home crowd, the USA should be able to get off to a strong start. We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Pochettino’s men.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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