Paraguay are unbeaten in three games since their 4-1 defeat to the USA
France have won five matches in a row
Recommended bet: Michael Olise to score anytime @ 17/10 with LiveScore Bet
After their stunning penalty shootout win over Germany in the Round of 32, Paraguay will look to pull off another shock when they take on France on Saturday at the World Cup.
The South American side have already exceeded expectations, while opponents France have breezed through to the last 16 and they beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.
Date, kick-off time, stadium, competition
Saturday, July 4, 10pm, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - World Cup last 16
Where to Watch
BBC1, BBC iPlayer
Outright Odds
More market odds and predictions
Recommended bet | Stat |
France to win to nil | France have only conceded two goals in four World Cup matches |
Kylian Mbappe to score first | Striker Kylian Mbappe has scored six goals in four appearances at the World Cup |
France half-time/full-time | France have won 13 of their last 15 matches, while Paraguay have won six in 15 |
Andres Cubas to be carded | Midfielder Andreas Cubas has conceded 12 fouls so far, picking up one yellow card |
Paraguay's shootout success over Germany is one of the highlights of the World Cup for the neutrals, but the brutality of the biggest competition in world football means Gustavo Alfaro's team will have had little time to celebrate their success.
The scenes of La Albirroja's fans celebrating will live long in the memory and they have put themselves back on the map after failing to qualify for the last three World Cups.
Paraguay were handed a tough task after they were placed in Group D alongside co-hosts the United States, Australia and Turkey.
After losing 4-1 to Mauricio Pochettino's side in Inglewood, Paraguay looked like they would struggle, but they rallied to beat Turkey 1-0.
That narrow success in Santa Clara came as a surprise, especially as Turkey registered over 30 shots during an intense 90 minutes.
Los Guaraníes did enough to secure a 0-0 draw against Australia, but the draw handed them a tie against Germany, and many wrote them off before a ball was kicked.
Gustavo Alfaro's team held their nerve when it mattered most and they will need to ride their luck once again to try and book a spot in the quarter-finals.
The South American side have built their recent success on strong defending. They only just squeezed into the top six in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, but it was their defensive strength that helped them over the line.
The Guaranies only conceded 10 goals in 18 qualifiers, a record matched by Argentina and only bettered by Ecuador.
Like Ecuador, Paraguay struggled for goals, scoring 10 in qualifying and it is that lack of firepower that has held them back at the World Cup.
Paraguay's win over Germany deserves respect, but Julian Nagelsmann's team never kicked on from their 7-1 victory over Curacao. They just squeezed past the Ivory Coast in a 2-1 win, before they lost 2-1 to Ecuador.
Where Germany laboured at times, France have cruised their way through the tournament so far.
Deschamps' side have scored three goals in every game so far in the USA. While they were tested at times by Senegal, they ran out 3-1 winners. They beat Iraq 3-0 and then outclassed a second-string Norway 4-1.
Their 3-0 success over Sweden was further evidence of how strong Les Bleus have been and they have looked fluid and ruthless in the final third.
Striker Kylian Mbappe became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches as France cruised to victory against Sweden and now shares the lead in the Golden Boot race with Lionel Messi.
Mbappe is capable of scoring in any game due to his world-class ability, but Michael Olise is proving every match that he is so important to France.
While he has yet to score this summer, he does have five assists to his name and he has recorded 14 shots so far, with five hitting the target.
The woodwork has denied the former Crystal Palace man on numerous occasions and if he maintains his current form, it seems a case of when, not if, he will score at the World Cup.
Paraguay have done fantastically well to advance to the last 16, but Olise and co have the ability to make this a routine night at the office.
The White and Red were hammered 4-1 by the USA on matchday one and that is a worrying omen ahead of Saturday's showdown.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are levels below France and Les Bleus are seemingly only getting better as they play each match.
Experience is also crucial at this stage of the tournament and after reaching the final four years ago, France have everything they need to mount another title challenge.
Paraguay are going to try and hang on for as long as they can, but the manner of France's performances points to one-way traffic from the outset, and Paraguay's lack of firepower will come back to haunt them this weekend.
Team news
Paraguay midfielder Diego Gomez is available for selection after serving a one-match ban, while forward Julio Enciso will need to be assessed after being forced off during the second half against Germany.
France coach Didier Deschamps has no new injury concerns, but reports have suggested that Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is managing a back problem.
Desire Doue has also been managing a knock, but he should be fit enough to take his place on the bench.
Predicted Team Line-Ups
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Almiron, Bobadilla, Cubas, Galarza; Avalos, Enciso..
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
Stats
Paraguay have scored three goals in four matches at the World Cup
Paraguay have only registered eight shots on target
France have led at half-time in eight of their last nine matches
Les Bleus have netted three or more goals in eight of their last 10 outings
Paraguay conceded 21 shots against Germany
The two teams last met in June 2017, with France running out 5-0 winners
Score prediction: Paraguay 0-4 France
The latest Paraguay vs France odds are available on LiveScore Bet
