USA Face Paraguay in Group D Opener
With the weight of expectations lying heavily on American shoulders, the Mauricio Pochettino managed USMNT begin their World Cup campaign as co-hosts against a resurgent Paraguayan side in Group D’s first encounter.
In A Tight Group This Fixture Carries Huge Importance
The match to be played at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, June 13 at 6.30 am IST, is generating all the buzz. The Americans are expected to win, come what may. With Turkiye and Australia, the other two teams in the group, this fixture carries crucial importance.
The Friendlies Have Been A Good Prep For USMNT
The USMNT played two friendlies, beating Senegal 3-2 and losing to Germany 1-2. In both games, the Americans were tested and gave a good account of themselves. However, what impressed me most was the individual skill on display. The goal scored by Antonee Robinson was nothing short of spectacular.
Pulisic Is The Team’s Glue & Has to Deliver
Christian Pulisic, however, remains the glue and the USA’s most important player in the tournament. He has to be at his best for his team to prosper. Pulisic will be supported by Folaro Balogun and Weston McKennie. Both are gifted with enormous pace and ball skills. Tim Ream, the 38-year-old legend and USA’s centre back, along with Robinson in the left back position, will guard America’s goal.
Paraguay had an injury-prone friendly
Paraguay, on the other hand, had a heartbreaking friendly against Nicaragua. Though the team won 4-0 in Asuncion, the injury to Julio Enciso, Paraguay’s best player at the moment, dampened the win. With doubts about his fitness doing the rounds, Manager Gustavo Alfaro has put together a good side.
Julio Enciso & Almiron Are Players To Watch Out For
Making their first World Cup appearance after 2010, Paraguay under Alfaro have developed a strong, physical and disciplined team. With heavy man-to-man marking, Paraguay will be tough to break through. Julio Enciso, the young Brighton star, has the agility and creativity to get past any defence, and if he is fit, he will be a handful for the Americans. Miguel Almiron of Newcastle will bring lots of energy too. He can run up and down the pitch, the whole day, making life difficult for Pochettino’s men.
The Strong Partisan Crowd May Just Push the USA Over The Line
The contest will be between the USA’s flamboyance and individual brilliance against the much more organised and disciplined Paraguayan unit. However, the USA may still have the edge with a massive crowd supporting them on Friday/Saturday.
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