Enciso ran himself into the ground
Latest from Richard Jolly on the ground in Philly.
“Julio Enciso did well in a thankless job alone up front but he ran himself into the ground. It seemed inevitable he would have to come off.”
Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium4 July 2026 23:28
It fells like France are slowly but surely exerting more of a grip on this game? Paraguay have seen out the first 15 minutes of this second half though.
Julio Enciso has run himself into the ground and he is subbed off to a good reaction, with Gustavo Caballero coming on. He was on loan at Portsmouth last season and will look to replicate Enciso’ excellent, determined lone striker play.
Also a sub for France as Barcola, who has been largely ineffective, trots off, with Desire Doue coming on. Not a bad man to ahve in reserve!
(Reuters)
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:26
First sub of the day. Omar Alderete takes a bit of a knock and then he comes off. He’s only just back from an injury anyway.
Jose Canale comes on for the Sunderland man.
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:23
Another France corner… Number 10, I think?
Dembele to deliver and Gill comes off his line to claim well. He’s had a good start to this half, the Paraguay goalkeeper.
(Reuters)
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:21
SAVE! Paraguay 0-0 France, 55 mins
France’s best chance of the game! Kone cuts inside and lashes a shot at goal that Gill leaps to tip over the bar. Good save by the Paraguay stopper!
The corner is then well defended
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:19
Paraguay switch off and are nearly caught out! Maignan’s long ball forward splits the defence and Mbappe races clear.
Caceres gets back and flicks it off Mbappe for a corner just as he’s about to shoot. Paraguay are appealing for a handball by Mbappe (which it was to be fair) and France take the corner quickly! Short to Dembele, he charges into the box but his shot flies into the side netting as goalkeeper Gill makes himself big and gets clattered for his troubles.
Near disaster for the South Americans. Gill receives treatment but he’s back up and ok
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:18
“Paraguay completed 49 passes in the first 49 minutes. Which is, well, not a lot, really.”
(Reuters)
Richard Jolly at Philadelphia Stadium4 July 2026 23:16
Paraguay win their first corner of the game. It’s lax from Upamecano, who is liable to lose concentration, as he chests down in his own half but straight to Almiron.
The ex-Newcastle man surges to the byline and wins the corner, which he goes to take himself.
Curled in and a slightly unconvincing punch from Maignan but France clear for a throw.
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:14
Nice passage of play from France in the final third and the ball just evades Kounde in the box. Quicker movement though, which is promising.
Rabiot’s eyes light up again 25 yards out but his shot rises harmlessly over the bar, not for the first time this match.
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:13
Paraguay free-kick near halfway and it enables them to thump the ball forward but Kounde deals with it comfortably.
No changes at half-time from either side, by the way
Luke Baker4 July 2026 23:11