World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 16: Canada v Morocco

Match 89: Paraguay v France
Location: Philadelphia Stadium
Time: 9:00am, Sunday 5 July
Head to Head: Paraguay Wins (0), France Wins (3), Draws (2)

Key Stats

• France has scored 2+ goals in 16 of their last 17 matches
• Over 2.5 goals is 13-0 in France last 13 games
• Paraguay have conceded 2+ goals in only 2 of their last 8 games
• Mbappe has scored 6 goals and leads the tournament in shots on target (13)

Preview

The scoreboard against Sweden may have said 3-0 in France’s favour but it could have been more than a handful. They created 25 shots, 12 of which were on target, hit the post multiple times, and completely ran rings around the Swedish defence. The market has responded and they have been crunched in futures betting to win the tournament. There are not enough words to describe how dangerous they are when in possession. Michael Olise leads the tournament with 6 assists and the frightening part is that he has achieved this by creating only 9 shots. The key is that his passes split open the defence and play a teammate through to an open goal – mind blowing!

France has now scored 2+ goals in 16 of their last 17 games and 3 or more in each of their last 5. All five of those games have turned into wins by a margin of two or more goals. Their unstoppable attack has seen Over 2.5 goals hit in each of their last 13 games and they will not have any fear of Paraguay outscoring them.

When it comes to upsets, Paraguay takes the cake with their win over Germany in the Round of 32. They could only manage 24% possession but took the lead against the run of play just before the break. Germany managed to get back on level terms but failed to go on with the task at hand. Paraguay held on for 120 minutes and won the shootout after three German players missed from the spot. We must give Paraguay some level of respect as they have conceded multiple goals in only 2 of their last 8 games. On the other end of the pitch, they have scored 2+ goals just three times in their last 14 games so trading goals with France is not an option. They will defend their hearts out but it will not be enough. Once France gets ahead, the game will open up and they will pick Paraguay apart.

Player To Watch

This section has been reserved exclusively for Kylian Mbappe in France games but we cannot leave Michael Olisse out. Mbappe has bagged 6 goals and has been a constant menace for opposing defences. Olise is his tag-team partner and has been the most effective player in the tournament with respect to creating genuine goals scoring opportunities. He has 6 assists to his name and many of them have been virtual tap ins for his teammates. Paraguay have an enormous task as sending extra men to either one means leaving the other wide open.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: France WIN/Over 2.5 goals ($1.73)
Other: Mbappe 5+ Shots ($1.78)
Value: France Over 3.5 goals ($3.40)
SGM: France WIN, Both Teams To Score – NO, Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer, Olise Anytime Assist ($3.71)