On Sunday, Canada and Paraguay look to build on their opening CONCACAF W Gold Cup victories over El Salvador and Costa Rica, respectively.
As it stands, Les Rouges hold first place in Group C on goal difference, but that could all change with a La Albirroja win. Last time out, Canada had no problem finding the net, but Paraguay gained confidence with an upset over Las Ticas.
Read on for everything you need to know about Sunday evening’s match.
Quick hits
Sunday’s encounter at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT. The match will mark the first-ever game between Canada and Paraguay at the senior women's level.
Canada: With the Paris Olympics only a few months away, the reigning champions will want to have a strong showing at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Not only is this a time for Canada to move on from its disappointing World Cup, but it’s an opportunity for the team to gain confidence and to experiment with different player combinations.
FIFA ranking: No. 10.
Last time out: On Thursday, Canada returned to its winning ways with a commanding 6-0 result over El Salvador. Only three minutes in, Arsenal forward Cloé Lacasse drove the ball into the net after cutting inside from the right flank. La Selecta’s Brenda Cerén tried to generate a shot for her side, but couldn't break through the Canadian backline. From there, goals from Jordyn Huitema, Kadeisha Buchanan, Olivia Smith and a brace from Adriana Leon secured the win.
Group C prediction: Group favourite.
Paraguay: La Albirroja came very close to qualifying for a first-ever World Cup last summer, but fell to Panama 1-0 in the final of the inter-confederation playoffs. However, at last summer’s Pan American Games they finished fifth and have a spirited and experienced manager in Antônio Carlos Bona. While Paraguay might not be on fans’ international radar, it has technical, dynamic players like Jessica Martínez who can score from close-range and distance.
FIFA ranking: No. 50.
Last time out: Paraguay edged Costa Rica 1-0 in the first match of Group C on Thursday. Las Ticas were threatening in the box, but Paraguay’s relentless defending and a solid performance from goalkeeper Alicia Bobadilla secured a clean sheet. Lice Chamorro broke the deadlock shortly after the half by directing a free kick into the right corner.
Group C prediction: Could finish second.
Canada must remain level-headed
It’s imperative for Canada to build on the momentum from Thursday’s thrashing. However, we must remember that a blowout victory was expected for Les Rouges. The match was an excellent way for Canada to start the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup, but the test will be to sustain positive results — which Bev Priestman’s side has struggled with in the past.
Of course, goals must be scored to secure a win, which will be more difficult this time around due to Paraguay’s backline, which typically has five defenders protecting the goal. Considering this, Canada should use its height and speed to its advantage. A Lacasse or Leon run up the flank, followed by a cross into a flying Huitema or Prince could do the trick.
Overall, Canada must remain level-headed, knowing its status as the favourite. If the squad can remain calm, communicate and retain possession in Paraguay’s half, Canada should grab an easy win.
Paraguay must take their chances
Despite a win in their opening match, Bona’s squad is now faced with a tougher opponent. Canada is technically stronger and more experienced than Paraguay, but the South Americans don’t have the same amount of pressure that Canada does. Will the “underdog” energy allow them to play more free-flowing soccer against a team expected to win?
No matter how the game unfolds, it’s unlikely Paraguay will have many chances on net. Considering this, La Albirroja must take advantage of every opportunity they get and try to catch Canada off-guard. Shooting from distance or converting counter-attacks will be Paraguay’s keys to the game.
Additionally, Paraguay needs to figure out how to distribute the attack. Last time out, Chamorro took 63 per cent of the shots. If Canada can shut down Paraguay's star attacker, it must have another option for a chance at winning.
How will Canada and Paraguay line up?
Priestman will likely stick with her tried-and-true 3-4-3 formation, but it’s uncertain which players she’ll select. Against El Salvador, the 37-year-old opted to give some second stringers the nod, such as Gabby Carle in midfield and Sabrina D’Angelo in net. However, as this game bears more weight than Thursday’s, with both teams fighting for top of the group, we could see some changes that look more like Priestman’s typical starting lineup.
Between the sticks, expect former NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Kailen Sheridan to take her place. On the backline, youngster Jade Rose and Chelsea’s Buchanan will probably be selected, but it’s a toss up if Shelina Zadorsky or Vanessa Gilles will complete the trio. Both are experienced and reliable defenders, so whoever doesn’t start will surely be used as a substitute if needed. In midfield, expect Juventus’ Julia Grosso to replace Carle on the left, but the line of captain Jessie Fleming, Quinn and Lacasse should remain the same. Two of the front three from Thursday will likely stick, with Seattle Reign’s Huitema and Aston Villa’s Leon working to attack the net. Kansas City Current’s Prince is sidelined with a calf injury, so Roma's Evelyne Viens could take her spot.
Expect little change from Paraguay, as Bona’s 5-3-2 formation succeeded over rival Costa Rica. Moreover, Paraguay will need a hefty backline to match the newfound attacking prowess of Les Rouges. Palmeiras keeper Bobadilla, followed by Limpia Fretes (Avaí FC), Tania Riso (SE AEM), Camila Barbosa (Olimpia), Verónica Riveros (Avaí FC) and Daysy Bareiro (CD Juan Grande) will likely remain unchanged. In midfield, Fanny Godoy (CD Juan Grande), Griselda Garay (Olimpia) and Dulce Quinatna (SE AEM) should start, but expect changes to be made as all three got yellow cards over Costa Rica and won’t want to risk a red. Up front, Chamorro (RCD Espanyol Femenino) and Ramona Martínez (Palmeiras) will try their luck over Sheridan.
Player to watch for Canada: Cloé Lacasse
The native of Sudbury, Ont., shined for Canada on Thursday with one goal and three assists. As demonstrated against El Salvador, Lacasse is a go-to player for her pace, ball control and ruthless nose for the net. Since switching to WSL giants Arsenal in 2023, the 30-year-old has demonstrated her clinical abilities while also uplifting and leading her teammates. Lacasse will once again look to score an early goal to give Les Rouges confidence — and to solidify herself as a mainstay for the future.
Player to watch for Paraguay: Lice Chamorro
Lice Chamorro is a stylish and aggressive player who should not be underestimated. The 25-year-old is light and fast on her feet with a strong awareness of who’s around her on the pitch. This awareness of not only opponents, but also pockets of space, earned her the only goal during Thursday’s match over Costa Rica. A go-to goal scorer for club and country, look for the ball to be constantly fed to Chamorro on Sunday.
