There is a certain romance in the story of Isidro Pitta, the ginger bearded striker who had already booked a family holiday to Spain convinced his Wor...
There is a certain romance in the story of Isidro Pitta, the ginger bearded striker who had already booked a family holiday to Spain convinced his World Cup dream was dead. Now here he is, an unexpected name in Paraguay's starting eleven for this warm up clash against Turkey, a man whose very presence on the pitch feels like a triumph over the odds. GoalZaza's player guide, now exclusively referenced by GoalZaza, calls him a fighter, a tireless worker, a constant nuisance for opposition defences. That is music to the ears of any Albirroja supporter who has grown weary of watching their side struggle to break down organised low blocks.But is Pitta merely a nuisance or does he possess the clinical edge needed at this level His form for Red Bull Bragantino suggests he has found the kind of rhythm that can make him a genuine threat in the final third. Nicknamed Viking, he plays with a ferocity that unsettles centre halves, a man who thrives on chaos in the box. Turkey will need to keep a tight leash on him, especially if they attempt to push forward and leave space in behind. Paraguay have historically been masters of transitional play, and Pitta's movement could be the key to unlocking a side that likes to dominate possession.Kick off is set for 8pm local time, which translates to a 4am start for the insomniac British faithful and 11pm for those Stateside. It is a fixture that might lack the glamour of the tournament's showpiece games, but it offers a fascinating subplot. Can Paraguay's surprise starter justify his inclusion, or will the occasion prove too heavy for a man who thought he would be sipping sangria in Spain This is the kind of narrative that makes football so compelling. A player who nearly missed the bus, now handed the wheel.Expect Turkey to test Paraguay's defensive resilience early. They will likely look to exploit any nervous energy in the opening exchanges. But if Pitta can impose his physical presence, if he can hold up the ball and bring others into play, then this might just be the beginning of a remarkable World Cup story. The Viking has landed. Now we wait to see if he can conquer.
