Israel vs Paraguay, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

Israel vs Paraguay Match Prediction & Analysis

The second round of Group D matches begins when Israel and Paraguay face off at Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations in men's football. Returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1976, Israel enter Saturday's contest with a point earned from their 1-1 draw against African giants Mali. Paraguay, on the other hand, are reeling from a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Japan, which included a red card. A loss on Saturday would effectively end their Olympic campaign.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Israel Preview

Before the tournament, Israel's participation faced scrutiny, but FIFA allowed them to compete while postponing a hearing. Additionally, defender Roy Revio's appeal against a two-game ban was denied. Undeterred by the external challenges, Guy Luzon's team earned a valuable point in their opening match against Mali.

However, Israel struggled to create scoring opportunities. Their only goal was an own goal, and they managed just 12 shots (two on target) with no clear-cut chances. Possession statistics also favored Mali (49 shots in the box compared to Israel's 70). Israel was fortunate to escape with a draw in a match largely controlled by their opponents. Luzon is expected to make changes, starting Ido Shahar and Ethane Azoulay in place of Farada and Madmon, who were substituted at halftime in the previous match.

Israel Probable Starting XI -  Niron (Goalkeeper); Feingold, Goldberg, Lemkin, Ben Harosh (Defenders); Gandelman, Gloukh, Abada, Shahar, Turgemon ( Midfielders); Azoulay (Forward) 

Paraguay Preview

Many football analysts tipped Paraguay as dark horses for the tournament, given their impressive performance in topping the CONMEBOL qualifying group ahead of Argentina and Brazil. However, their 5-0 drubbing by Japan has raised questions about this assessment. Such a heavy defeat, exacerbated by a red card, is a significant setback.

Carlos Jara Saguier faces a daunting task after six losses in the team's last seven matches. The 5-0 defeat significantly hampers Paraguay's chances in a group where three teams are vying for one spot. The team's defensive record, with 20 goals conceded in their last seven games, is a major concern. To progress, Jara Saguier must address these defensive issues.To address the red card to Viera, Enso Gonzalet is expected to replace him in the starting lineup. 

Paraguay Probable Starting XI - Fernandez (Goalkeeper); De Jesus, Cantero, Flores, Balbuena ( Defenders); Gomez, Perez, Caballero, Gonzalez(Midfielders); Enciso, Frutos (Forwards) 

ISRAEL vs PARAGUAY
Winning Prediction

Israel struggles with their offence, while Paraguay struggles with their defence. It's as if they were meant for each other. Whatever the outcome, given the circumstances, one should anticipate Paraguay to strive for goals at any cost, creating an opportunity for Israel to score. The match's xG is expected to be around 3.5 goals on average.

Despite losing their first game, Paraguay is the odds-on favourite to win this Group D encounter. This is a game that both teams must win, therefore Paraguay are the favourites because they have some great players who can score and create scoring opportunities. 

Paraguay to win (1-3)

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