Lincoln Financial field plays host to Copa America Centenario hopefuls USA and Paraguay with a place in the quarter finals on the line. USA will go into the game as the favorites with the competition being played on home soil, but Paraguay is a team that should not be underestimated. Paraguay sits tied with Brazil in World Cup Qualifying with 9 points, just one point behind the last spot taken by Colombia. USA will know not to underestimate the South Americans, and will be wary of the threat they pose, especially on the counter. This will likely be a game that comes down to who makes the least mistakes, as just one could be costly. 7 of 12 games have been decided by 1 goal or less, and 9 of 12 games have seen the winner score first (other 3 games were draws), the only comeback being the 2-2 draw between Peru and Ecuador.
USA will likely keep the same lineup they have been sporting in the previous two games, especially since it worked so well against Costa Rica. Defender DeAndre Yedlin commented on how the team has been defending so far in the tournament. “I thought we’ve done pretty well. The only goals coming from the Colombia game, one from a set play one from a penalty. But no goals from the run of play is a huge plus, and were hoping to do even better Saturday.” Between Borussia Monchengladbach star Fabian Johnson, Stoke defender Geoff Cameron, Hertha BSC defender John Brooks and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, Yedlin is among an elite defensive unit. With tireless midfielders such as Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones, the defense should be able to hold strong against Paraguay. Because of the midfield cover, wing-backs Yedlin and Johnson will likely be asked to push high up the field to give the USA width in attacking areas, allowing Gyasi Zardes and Bobby Wood freedom to roam inside. This will unfortunately leave the USA defense vulnerable on counter attacks.
For Paraguay a win in necessary to advance, so one could expect them to leave everything on the field Saturday night. Paraguay looked the stronger of the two teams in their first match up against Costa Rica, despite a 0-0 scoreline. Against Colombia, Paraguay was always going to be the underdog. Despite a solid attempt at a comeback, and a goal of the competition nominee by Victor Ayala, Paraguay were eventual losers 2-1. Saturday night will be a chance to Paraguay to showcase their true talent, and make a name for themselves in this tournament.
At the pregame press conference USA coach Jurgen Klinnsman mentioned that Paraguay won’t just sit in and counter like many pundits thought they might. “They don’t have defensive minded midfielders but they will run and defend all game, and they don’t have offensive minded midfielders but they are creative and each one will be dangerous with the ball.”Coach Klinnsman showed great respect for Paraguay, but mentioned that the USA should come out convincing winners as long as they don’t underestimate Paraguay. Klinnsman also commented on the difficulty of youth breaking into the first team. “It will always be difficult for prospects here. You can say someone is a prospect at 23 but in Europe if you haven’t developed by 23 you might get dropped. So it will always be hard for our prospects to develop and get in the squad but look at Bobby [Wood]. He has worked hard and is now in the first team, look at DeAndre [Yedlin]. Who would give 17 year old Christian Pulisic a chance in the first team? These kids have great talent but they will need more than just that to play here.”
The game starts at 7PM EST at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
