Paraguay arrive at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara desperate to rebuild after a chastening opening defeat.
Gustavo Alfaro watched his side’s defensive structure crumble against the United States on matchday one. Three goals conceded before half-time in Los Angeles left La Albirroja with a mountain to climb, and they never recovered, eventually falling to a 4-1 defeat.
Their reputation for defensive resilience took a serious dent, and Alfaro will demand an immediate and emphatic response tonight. A win against Turkiye would keep their knockout hopes alive; anything less and their tournament is effectively over.
Alfaro faces a couple of fitness concerns ahead of kick-off. Gustavo Caballero missed the opener entirely and continues to battle a muscular issue, while Ramon Sosa requires a late ***** sment on an ankle problem before a final decision is made on his involvement. Rodrigo Gill retains his place in goal.
Omar Alderete and captain Gustavo Gomez are expected to continue at centre-back. Junior Alonso could make way at left-back, with Alexandro Maidana ready to come in and provide greater defensive solidity on that flank. Juan Jose Caceres continues at right-back.