The last match of Group A action in the Copa America Centenario can be a triumphant one for the United States men’s national team as they take on Paraguay. Advancement to the knockout rounds and even whom they might face are very much on the line, but a draw should see the U.S. advance -- and a win would be even better for them.
USA vs. Paraguay, Copa America 2016: Game time, TV schedule and team news
The USMNT will advance with a draw against Paraguay, but a win would be much better for them.
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Depending on the result between Colombia and Costa Rica in the other match, simply avoiding a loss to Paraguay will get the United States playing in the knockout rounds -- but a draw would also see them finish in second place in their group, pitting them against the winners of Group B. That will likely be Brazil, a team the U.S. will desperately want to avoid, so getting a win over Paraguay to give them a chance at finishing first in Group A will be crucial.
Even if they win, though, they’ll be relying on a lost-looking Costa Rica side to beat Colombia, which seems to be a tall order based on the current form of both teams. Still, it’s a possibility -- anything can happen in a tournament like this -- and as long as the USMNT win to give themselves the chance to take advantage of such a slip-up by Colombia, they’ll have at least done everything in their power to improve their situation.
Lose, though, and the USMNT is out of the Copa America. No United States fan wants to see that happen.
Key player -- Michael Bradley (United States)
The USMNT’s captain started off the tournament in dreadful fashion, putting in a performance against Colombia that was, at best, unconvincing. Bradley was better against Costa Rica, but still played nowhere near his best -- and from now on, the U.S. can afford no room for error from him in midfield. Bradley certainly has his critics, but the simple fact is that when he plays well, the USMNT stand a much, much better chance of winning. With the pressure on, they need their captain to step up again.
Key matchup -- John Brooks (United States) vs. Dario Lezcano (Paraguay)
The one constant in Paraguay’s attack during the Copa America, and thus far their best attacking player, has been Lezcano. He’s been active and always searching for openings and opportunities, doing everything he can to help his team score goals. That kind of playing style means that Brooks is going to have to constantly be on his guard, because a player like Lezcano, who has scored four times in eight senior international games, will always be there to pounce if Brooks loses his focus for even a moment.
How to watch online: You can catch the games for free on Fox Sports GO and Univision Deportes en vivo in the United States if you have access through your provider, as well as paid services Fox Soccer 2GO, Sling and fuboTV for those who don't have access to the ones that are free with a TV subscription.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa.
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), Univision, Univision Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Telefuturo, Tigo Sports (Paraguay)
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