Don’t miss out on tonight’s electrifying World Cup showdown! Paraguay and France are set to clash in the last 16, and it’s shaping up to be a battle for the ages. France cruised past Sweden with a 3-0 win to book their place, while Paraguay pulled off a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Germany. The atmosphere is charged as Paraguay hopes to upset one of the tournament’s favourites.
Kick-off is at 10pm BST, and you can catch all the live-action on BBC One. Tune in from 9.30pm for the full pre-match build-up. Prefer streaming? It’s available on BBC iPlayer too.
Team news keeps fans on their toes: Paraguay is sweating over the fitness of star player Julio Enciso, after his early exit against Germany. Omar Alderete’s participation is also uncertain, but the return of Diego Gómez from suspension could be a vital boost. France, on the other hand, has a few selection headaches of their own, with a watchful eye on William Saliba’s condition. PSG duo Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué are vying for a starting spot on the left wing. Marcus Thuram is likely to rejoin the squad following a minor muscle issue.
In the lead-up to this clash, Paraguayan coach Gustavo Alfaro is buzzing with pride after a historic win: “Our 26 warriors returned as legends.” Meanwhile, French manager Didier Deschamps credits Paraguay’s achievements to sheer tenacity and skill: “They’re a typical South American team, strong and determined.”
So, who’s your money on? Grab the snacks and settle in for a night of thrilling football action! ⚽️🏆