Colombia vs Paraguay: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Copa America 2024
Preview
Colombia vs Paraguay will be the first game in Group D in Copa America 2024 as these two sides will lock horns at the NRG Stadium in Texas and will look to get off to a good start.
Los Cafeteros will enter this contest on the back of an incredible run of form. They are currently on a 23-game unbeaten streak that dates all the way back to February 2022, when they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Argentina. Colombia’s incredible run includes winning their last eight on the bounce, scoring 19 goals in the process and keeping four clean sheets. They defeated Copa hosts USA 5-1 before humbling Bolivia 3-0 and will look to carry that forward.
La Albiroja will enter this contest on the back of a mixed run of form. With just two wins in their last eight games, they are staring at a tough time at the Copa considering the group members they are pitted alongside. The other six results were four defeats and two draws as Paraguay are desperate for a pick-me-up result. Their 1-0 win against Panama in the last game should bode well as they head into Copa America 2024.
Having said that, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.
Colombia vs Paraguay Team News
Colombia
Manager Nestor Lorenzo has played around with different lineups leading up to this competition. However, the XI he fielded in their 3-0 win against Bolivia gave a clear idea of what his lineups are going to look like.
Camilo Vargas will assume his position between the sticks, with Yerry Mina and Carlos Cuesta in central defence ahead of him. Richard Rios and Jefferson Lerma will man the midfield, while Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez will play more attacking roles. Jhon Cordoba will lead the line for Colombia.
Paraguay
Manager Daniel Oscar Garnero experimented with his lineups in recent weeks in Friendlies, but played the full-strength XI in his team’s 1-0 win against Panama last time out.
Carlos Coronel will be the first-choice goalkeeper, with skipper Fabian Balbuena, Gustavo Velazquez and Junior Alonso in defence. Matias Rojas will anchor the midfield alongside Hernesto Caballero. Julio Enciso will start on the left, Ramon Sosa on the right, and Adam Bareiro will play through the middle.
Predicted Lineups
Colombia national football team predicted lineup
Predicted XI: Camilo Vargas (GK); Daniel Munoz, Yerry Mina, Carlos Cuesta, Deiver Machado; Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez (C), Luis Diaz; Jhon Cordoba.
ALSO READ: Mexico vs Jamaica: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Copa America 2024
Paraguay national football team predicted lineup
Predicted XI: Carlos Coronel (GK); Gustavo Velazquez, Fabian Balbuena (C), Junior Alonso, Nestor Gimenez; Mathias Villasanti, Hernesto Caballero, Matias Rojas; Ramon Sosa, Adam Bareiro, Julio Enciso.
Key Players to Watch
- Luis Diaz (Colombia) – Luis Diaz had a great outing last time around against Bolivia as he was the chief creator for his team and was involved with nearly every attacking sequence. He assisted his team’s second goal, before getting on the scoresheet himself in the 41st minute to make it 3-0. Diaz also won seven duels and completed three dribbles in that match.
- Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – The 20-year-old attacker from Brighton & Hove Albion has put in some decent performances for his nation of late. He has featured in Friendlies against Peru, Chile and Panama as he cements his spot as one of Paraguay’s best players. This tournament will be a great chance for him to prove his mettle on the international stage.
Colombia vs Paraguay Head-to-Head Record
Being in the same confederation, these two sides have come across each other several times in the last few years. However, it is Columbia that carry the bragging rights of late, having won three of their last five meetings. The other two games have ended in draws.
Last 5 Games
- Paraguay 0-1 Colombia [11/23]
- Colombia 2-0 Paraguay [11/22]
- Colombia 0-0 Paraguay [11/21]
- Paraguay 1-1 Colombia [09/21]
- Colombia 1-0 Paraguay [06/19]
Prediction
Going by recent history and the head-to-head record, Colombia emerge as clear favourites to win this contest as they are in incredible form. Paraguay have struggled to win two games on the bounce and have also struggled in front of goal. They are at the risk of being fully exposed by Colombia.
Prediction: Colombia 3-0 Paraguay.
When & Where to watch Colombia vs Paraguay live?
Q. When & where will the game kick-off?
A. Colombia vs Paraguay will be played at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, June 24 and will kick-off at 11:00 PM (GMT).
Q. Where will the match be telecast in the UK?
A. Premier Sports will be telecasting the match.
Q. Where will the match be shown in the USA?
A. Fox Sports will do the English telecast, while TUDN will do the Spanish one.
Q. Where will the game be telecast in Colombia?
A. Caracol, RCN and DSports will be showing the game live.
Q. Where will the game be shown in Paraguay?
A. Unicanal, Telefuturo and SNT will be showing the game live.
ALSO READ: USA vs Bolivia Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Copa America 2024