Paraguay U20 — Norway U20 : Match Preview and Prediction for October 09,2025

Paraguay U20 Group Stage Journey

The South Americans navigated the group stage with an eventful run, marked by dynamic results. Their opening fixture saw a thrilling 3:2 victory over Panama, a real shootout. This was followed by a goalless draw against Korea, a match where they played the entire second half with ten men after the expulsion of key attacking midfielder Enzo Gonzalez.

Impact of Player Absence and Offensive Drive

Gonzalez’s three-match suspension is undoubtedly a significant blow. Nevertheless, in their final group game against Ukraine, Paraguay still managed to find the net, with Cesar Miño scoring. This match, which they ultimately lost 1:2, further demonstrated the team’s commitment to offensive play, always seeking opportunities upfront, even when facing a well-organized European side.

Statistical Overview and Goal-Scoring Trend

Their overall group stage statistics are telling: four goals scored and four conceded in three games. This highlights a certain imbalance within the squad, showcasing their ability to craft scoring chances while simultaneously allowing opponents to create their own. The trend is clear: both teams have found the back of the net in 5 of Paraguay’s last 7 matches.

Norway U20 Unbeaten Group Stage

The Scandinavians advanced to the knockout rounds undefeated, a commendable achievement. They kicked off with a narrow 1:0 victory over Nigeria, followed by a goalless draw against Colombia. While these results might suggest a defensively rigid approach, the underlying statistics paint a different picture. In those matches, their goal was frequently under severe threat, with only fortune and strong goalkeeping preserving their clean sheets.

A Glimpse into Offensive Potential

The most revealing encounter for Norway was their final group fixture against Saudi Arabia. This game featured a genuine exchange of blows, concluding in a 1:1 draw. Norwegian media highlighted that “the match was full of chances at both ends,” an accurate assessment. Norway scored through Niklas Fuglestad but also conceded from a penalty.

Tactical Shift for the Knockout Stage

The match statistics against the Saudis (xG 1.35 for Norway vs 1.48 for the opponent) affirm that it was an incredibly balanced and open contest. The Europeans possess attacking talents like Fuglestad and Sondre Granaas, who are capable of creating dangerous situations. It’s clear that in the playoffs, a purely defensive stance will not suffice, and Norway will need to push forward more aggressively, which will inevitably open up spaces for their adversaries.