Goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert has been talking up Paraguay's chances of beating the hosts and manager Paolo Cesar Carpegiani has said their aim is to lift the cup itself. However, they will have a job convincing the rest of world that Paraguay's World Cup adventure isn't going to end tomorrow afternoon. These two teams have only met once before in this competition, back in Sweden in 1958 when Just Fontaine scored four goals and the Europeans ran out 7-3 winners. Given Paraguay's form in the build-up to this tournament and France's since it started, you wouldn't bet against a repeat of the result. The South Americans conceded just over two goals for every one they scored in April and May while the French discovered their scoring touch in their three group matches.
Carpegiani, with great help from Chilavert, though, appears to have done a great deal to sort out the side's terrible defensive record and, even if they do not quite withstand the barrage, the should at least avoid humiliation.
Paraguay have a full squad available to them thanks to the amnesty granted to all players carrying a single yellow card in to the second round and are likely to stick closely to the line-up that saw off an under-strength Nigeria to take second place in Group D.
A defence which has thus far conceded just one goal should certainly survive in tact, but Roberto Acuna's experience may earn him a recall to the midfield as Paraguay look to their most experienced players. Cordozo's late goal against Nigeria may safeguard his place while Carpegiani will probably shy away from playing three up front. Hugo Brizuela should partner Cardozo in attack with Miguel Benitez playing an attacking role from behind them in midfield. Aime Jacquet, meanwhile, who is without Zinedine Zidane (suspended) and probably Lionel Charbonnier and Christophe Dugarry (both injured), is expected to bring back several of those players rested for the win over Denmark. Laurent Blanc, Bixente Lizarazu and Lilian Thurum should return to the defence and Didier Deschamps to the midfield. Up front, Thierry Henry and Youri Djorkaeff seem assured of their places with the third spot a toss up between Bernard Diomede and Robert Pires.
Probable Teams
France: Barthez; Thuram, Blanc, Desailly, Lizarazu; Deschamps, Vieira, Petit; Djorkaeff, Henry, Diomede.
Paraguay: Chilavert; Arce, Gamarra, Ayala, Sarabia; Acuna, Benitez, Ramirez, Enciso; Cardozo, Brizuela.
Referee: Ali Mohamed Bujsaim (UAE).
