USA vs Paraguay: Preview and Prediction

By Oscar Suarez 

USA and Paraguay meet in their final match in the Group A of Copa America Centenario, which will be an eventual decider of who will qualify for the knock outs.

USA bounced back from a disappointing loss to Colombia in the opening day by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. Thanks to a brilliant attacking display in the first half by the Blue and White stripes, backed by an excellent defensive approach in the second half. The win took them to 4 points, 2 behind the leaders Colombia. USA now need another point to go into the quarter finals, but a loss here will eliminate them.

Paraguay has 1 point from their two matches and are third in the group, by a better goal difference against bottom side Costa Rica. They put on an inspired performance in the 2-1 defeat against Colombia and if they had taken their chances well, they must have got at least the share of the spoils. But a win against the hosts on Sunday will guarantee them a spot in the quarter finals, but anything less than that will eliminate them.

USA vs Paraguay: Predicted Line-ups

USA (4-3-3): Guzan – Johnson, Cameron, Brooks, Yedlin – Bradley, Beckerman, Jones – Zardes, Dempsey, Wood.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Villar – Samudio, Da Silva, Gomez, Valdez – Ayala, Piris, Ortiz, Almiron – Benitez, Lezcano.

USA vs Paraguay: Head-to-Head Stats

The teams share two wins each from the four meetings between them so far.

The first of which was in the 1930 World Cup, which USA won by 3-0.

They met in the Copa America once, during the 2007 edition in Venezuela, Paraguay winning 3-1 in the group stage clash.

Paraguay were victorious in the last two meetings between the sides, the latest of which came in a friendly on March 2011, Paraguay winning it 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Oscar Cardozo.

USA vs Paraguay: Prediction

This has the prospect of a high octane clash as the hosts USA wants to avoid a defeat, while Paraguay are desperate for all three points. The South Americans are a threat going forward, but their defense looks vulnerable, especially in the early parts of the game. USA could breach this with their quick counter attacks, as they have shown against Costa Rica in their previous match.

This could be a high scoring match, with one team eager to attack and other looking to hit their opponents on the break. I expect early goals in this match and the first half to see 2 goals.

Exact Score Prediction USA 2-2 Paraguay.