Paraguay vs France: World Cup Round of 16 Preview

Paraguay face France at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in a World Cup Round of 16 tie that pits a solid underdog against one of the tournament’s form sides. Paraguay reached the knockout phase from Group D with 4 points and a -2 goal difference, their group form reading WDWL. Across the tournament they have 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat, scoring 4 and conceding 5, with two clean sheets but also one game without scoring.

France arrive as Group I winners with a perfect record: 3 wins from 3, 10 goals scored and only 2 conceded, with form listed as WWWW. Overall this World Cup they have 4 wins from 4, 13 goals for and just 2 against, plus two clean sheets. Their attack is led by Kylian Mbappé, who has 6 goals and 2 assists in 4 appearances, and Ousmane Dembélé with 4 goals and 2 assists.

The recent meeting between these sides ended France 5-0 Paraguay in a 2017 fixture, underlining the gulf in quality.

Form and firepower strongly favour France to progress from this knockout clash.