USA vs. Paraguay: Predictions

[XaviusX]

Alright guys, the match of the Century is here:) and I want to know what you guys expect out of this game. Will the US go all out and Massively defeat Paraguay? or Will Paraguay have the last laugh? Who will be a key player?

My prediction:

USA 2-0 Paraguay :D

[galaxyfan03]

IMHO we'll see a MUCH better effort & performance by the boys on Sunday.

With the Gold Cup right around the corner, Arena will demand a MAJOR improvement over the Confed Cup and he'll get it.

I hope to see our defense work out those kinks that were SOOO obvious in France & hope our midfield works well, in terms of chemistry & ball possession.

With McBride back in the line-up (would've loved to see Razov on this roster, but that's another thread), we should get the offense in gear.

Paraguay is a solid, capable CONMEBOL opponent & should offer a good test for us.

USA 2 Paraguay 0. Goals by McBride & Donovan.

GO, USA!!!!!!!!

[fluidsoccer]

[Note: This identical post appears on the "Weaknesses of the Paraguay..." thread. I posted it, then figured i had just made a prediction w/out knowing it so here it is]

Paraguay is typically a strong team defensively, which is going to make our goal drought even tougher to overcome. However, I think the addition of McBride and Wolff to our roster may help that issue. Now we have some size, and now we have more speed, two things that were missing the most in the ConCup. Still, I can't see us scoring more than two goals. Doesn't seem like a lot, but 2 would be double our output in France.

This isn't going to be the game our defense arrives...not yet. We are still working out the kinks, forming chemistry, and seeing who does or who doesn't belong. I see us giving up at least one goal, but hopefully Boca keeps us organized enough so that the flood gates don't open.

As far as our midfield goes, I am just waiting for something to click. We have SO much potential and SO many good players in the position, that I think the brilliance is on the horizon. IMHO, that moment our offense gets a jolt is when Bruce tries a 3-5-2. Get our best players on the field! And a 3-5-2 is just the way to do it. Whether it happens against Paraguay or not, I'm not sure. But I do know that the arrival of our midfield is something that American soccer fans are eagerly anticipating.

I suppose that my prediction is 2-1, us. We score a goal in the first half, they get one back, but only before we win it late.

May the midfield puzzle be solved!!!!!

[Rocket]

The USMNT continues it's scoring drought:

US 0-0 Paraguay

[socrne1]

3-1, I think we will see goals from Wolff, Donovan/Mathis and Beasley. Is it feasible to put Wolff and McBride up front and then have Beas, Donovan, Mathis, Reyna in the midfield, could you imagine this lineup?? That to me seems like a dream come true.

[IASocFan]

The defense is solid, but both team will come up with golazos: 1-1.

[sch2383]

It will be a stupid draw because we will come out flat like we did against New Zealand.

[SoccerScout]

I wouldnt exactly call a Paraguayan win an "Upset". Im sure in Paraguay they think a US win is an Upset!

[Aalborg]

My guess it will be like the pre world cup US-Equador 1-0 game, the 1-0 score could go either way in this one

[El Buki]

a paraguay win is not an upset. I believe that paraguay wins 1-0 with a goal by Roque Santa Cruz of bayern munich. If he doesn't play then it is a 0-0 tie.

[Various Styles]

American Catenaccio vs Paraguayan Bunker ball = Boring Match Up.

[Jon Rhine]

Yes, I braved the frozen trundra of San Francisco's Candlestick park to watch a double header of friendlies that included a match between Paraguay and El Salvador, both upcoming opponents of the USMNT. Paraguay fielded a side that was very aggressive on defense crowding the much smaller El Salvador side. Paraguyans frequently were able to shoulder barge the Salvadorenos off the ball commanding midfield for most of the match. Paraguay were equally quick on the counter attack with one CF (name not known) who was extremely skilled on the ball and attack minded. There were some great crosses and Paraguay scored first. My sense is Paraguay could give the US plenty and in some ways played a similar type of ball with harrying defense, dispossessing and then counter striking using speedy wingers and CFs. El Salvador had one really notable forward #14 who created for the side. He was quick, skilled and created some great opportunites. He's a guy to watch. They really had trouble getting past the much larger Paraguayan guys, however. My sense is that El Salvador will not pose much problem for the US, depending on the team we field. Paraguay, however, is a different story. If they take command of possession they definitely have the talent to create opportunities on the US. The back four of the US will need to be sharp. I think the center 1/3 of the pitch is where the action will be and the US will have to fight for control of midfield to determine their fate. This game could be very close.

[whip]

Originally posted by galaxyfan03
IMHO we'll see a MUCH better effort & performance by the boys on Sunday.

With the Gold Cup right around the corner, Arena will demand a MAJOR improvement over the Confed Cup and......... \

A carefully choise of players and a good estrategy is what Bruce need to optain good results, "demand" is a word that does not fit a soccer coach vocabulary ...Remember that he was demanding Kiro and Berhbubu to do something they could not do, his job is finish once he choose his players and strategy....

[footballitis05]

I believe the game will most likely end 1-0 in favor of the yanks. A goal will be scored in the first half by Mathis. Player of the game will be Beasely. I dont think Paraguay will be able to keep up with DMB's speed. Also, watch out for Josh Wolff. He may get a late goal as Paraguay tries to advance upfield. I also expect the midfield to be much improved over the Gold Cup performance. We were horrendous and couldn't string many passes together at all. With Reyna back, USA will be able to hold onto the ball better. Convey will have a decent game, and will be able to learn a thing or two from Reyna, because Reyna will soon be handing over the reigns to Convey as the next creative midfielder for the USA. ( that is unless Kyle Martino gets healthy soon

[realmadrid1086]

Originally posted by Aalborg
My guess it will be like the pre world cup US-Equador 1-0 game, the 1-0 score could go either way in this one

I second that. Paraguay has played matches against a few CONCACAF teams this year and most of the games didn't feature many goals.

[cafrine]

Whatever the result, this forum will find a way to rival the DCU board in the sheer overreaction and ridiculous declarations that are posted after a game.

Anywho, I'll say a 3-0 USA win.

[imasyko]

Originally posted by cafrine
Whatever the result, this forum will find a way to rival the DCU board in the sheer overreaction and ridiculous declarations that are posted after a game.

Anywho, I'll say a 3-0 USA win.

Since your post just oozes class, perhaps you need reminding that, "People who live in glass houses..."?

USA - 1 Paraguay - 1 Unexciting, meaningless friendly.

[nancyb]

I predict that if a goal is scored, the scorer will flout the shirt removal ban and remove his shirt.

[Sanguine]

Originally posted by footballitis05
With Reyna back, USA will be able to hold onto the ball better. Convey will have a decent game, and will be able to learn a thing or two from Reyna, because Reyna will soon be handing over the reigns to Convey as the next creative midfielder for the USA. ( that is unless Kyle Martino gets healthy soon

As someone who as seen nearly every game Bobby Convey has played since joining DC United, I feel confident saying that Convey is no Reyna. I think he'll be an impact player, but not in that role. Convey's game is speed and taking people on, not holding the ball in the middle of the field and linking with the front-runners. He works best when playing in the middle of a 3-5-2 where he can make runs off a true distributing midfielder.