Siso makes a comeback — Paraguay's strongest forward returns, the U.S. defense needs to be on alert!

Just before the match, a major announcement came from Paraguay: key forward Julio Enciso has been confirmed to start! This 22-year-old striker, who plays for Strasbourg in Ligue 1, contributed 12 goals and 9 assists in 42 matches last season, making him the most threatening player in Paraguay's front line.

Enciso injured himself during training last week, and many thought he would miss the first match. Paraguayan media had even prepared for his absence. But his recovery was much faster than expected, and he participated in the final team training before the game, with the medical team giving the green light. For Paraguay, this is definitely a boost of confidence.

Enciso's strengths are his speed, technical skill, and keen goal sense. He can play as a center forward or as a second striker, partnering with Sanabria up front. One is tall, the other quick; Sanabria handles physical battles and playmaking, while Enciso makes penetrating runs to find opportunities. The U.S. defenders, Chris Richards and Tim Ream, though experienced, will face a challenge against such a nimble forward, especially in terms of turn speed and chasing ability.

However, Enciso has just recovered from injury, and his match fitness is still uncertain. Additionally, Paraguay's tactics have always been defense-oriented, and Enciso will need to undertake significant defensive duties — he often has to drop back to help defend the flanks, which will drain his stamina. In the second half, his explosiveness might decline.

On the U.S. side, Pochettino has surely marked Enciso as a key target for close marking. The interception by Adams and McKennie in midfield is crucial; if they can cut off the passing lanes to Enciso near the center circle, his threat will be greatly reduced. But the problem is, Paraguay's counterattacks are usually very direct — a long pass over the midfield straight to the forward. The U.S. midfield interceptions often can't stop this, so it ultimately depends on the one-on-one defensive ability of the back line.

Anyway, Enciso's return has increased the suspense of this match significantly. Many people initially thought Paraguay's front line was weak and unlikely to threaten the U.S. team. Now that Enciso is back, the situation is different. The U.S. defense must be fully alert, or the consequences could be dire.

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