Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Today’s World Cup action begins in Toronto, where Canada will make history in their Group B opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite Canada entering the match without captain and star player Alphonso Davies, they will be hitting on all cylinders for the simple and sure fact of national pride. Toronto will make history by becoming the first Canadian city to host a FIFA World Cup match, giving this opener an extra level of emotion and energy for the home side.
The crowd in Toronto should be electric from the opening whistle, and Canada will look to feed off that atmosphere with pace, pressure, and confidence. Even without Davies, this Canadian team has enough speed and resilience to create problems, especially if they can turn the match into an open, back-and-forth game.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a playoff qualifier team that brings grit and tactical balance to the pitch. They will not be an easy opponent, and they have the discipline to make Canada work for every opportunity. This will, without a doubt, be an exciting back-and-forth game, but in the end, Canada’s resilience and speed will be too much for the Bosnian defense to handle.Pro Paul’s Pick: Canada wins.
USA vs. Paraguay
Game day is finally here for co-host USA fans. Anticipate the country to be electrified with watch parties in MLS stadiums, plazas, on jumbo boards, in homes, and at sports bars across the nation, a rare but emerging sight for this level of soccer fan gathering.
Although the U.S. are the moderately heavy favorites versus Paraguay, this task is by no means an easy victory against the sixth-place automatic qualifier from South America. Paraguay is a fierce team that went on a nine-game unbeaten streak, including historic victories during qualification over powerhouses Brazil, 1-0, and Argentina, 2-1. They enter the tournament with cohesion and confidence.
The U.S. team will come out strong with a solid lineup straight up the spine, led by Malik Tillman at center midfield, Chris Richards at center back, and powerful Folarin Balogun at striker. Add star players Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic to the mix, and the U.S. should push Paraguay’s tough defense to the limits.
