We have a clue from Paraguay’s starting XI. Probably more accurately, from their starting formation. Manager Gustavo Alfaro has shifted from a back four to a back five. That can suggest two things: that they will park the bus and force the Socceroos to have the ball, and make it as difficult as possible for them to score; or they will use their wing-backs to push high, in which case they may leave space in behind for Australia to exploit.
I suppose there’s a third option, too: they do both and play on the counter, which is sort of Australia’s way of doing things as well. And that, friends, makes this a fascinating tactical battle. It could a bit bus parky. It could also be wide open.
Volpato and Metcalfe are both comfortable on the ball, so that works in the Socceroos’ favour if they have the share of possession and have to pick through a compact defence. And Irankunda is the man to get in behind when it comes to that.
Anyway, Alfaro has made three changes, bringing left-back Alexandro Maidana into his starting line-up, as well as centre-back Gustavo Velazquez and forward Gabriel Avalos.