The goals, minute by minute
No goals and no red cards.
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Paraguay (40th FIFA) vs Australia (27th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- Paraguay: a physical, organized block with good set pieces, solid at the back.
- Australia: physical and intense, disciplined and well-conditioned, slightly higher in the ranking.
Key factors
- A very even match between two physical, organized teams.
- Both rely on defensive solidity and set pieces.
- A key clash to stay alive for qualification.
Prediction
Most likely result: 1-1 draw (alternative: 1-0 Paraguay)
- Paraguay win: 35%
- Draw: 33%
- Australia win: 32%
Player to watch: Miguel Almirón, Paraguay's attacking spark.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
A very even, tight match between two similar teams. A draw is a very possible scenario; either side could take three points off a small detail.