Brazil vs. Paraguay: Hosts look to continue unbeaten run
Brazil will look to take one step closer towards the 2019 Copa America final as they take on Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
Tite’s side has been in excellent form since being knocked out of the World Cup a year ago. In fact, Brazil comes into this game unbeaten in their last 13 games across all competitions and have been quite solid this summer – despite the absence of star man Neymar.
They cruised to a very comfortable 5-0 win over Peru on matchday three to cap off a strong group stage campaign – all without conceding a single goal. Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino was finally able to open his Copa America account during that contest and he will be expected to feature from the outset against Paraguay. Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho, who endured a frustrating spell at Barcelona, seems to have shaken that off as he’s currently Brazil’s top goalscorer at this tournament with two goals to his name.
Even veteran defender Dani Alves has gotten in on the goals, netting once during his team’s 5-0 rout of Peru. Meanwhile, upcoming opponents Paraguay has been in dire straits as of late. La Albirroja comes into this match having won just one of their last 11 games across all competitions, and picked up a measly two points from their group stage matches. However, that was still enough for them to qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the best placed third-ranked teams.
Despite squeaking through, it looks like it’s set to be game over for Paraguay. Barring a shocking collapse from hosts Brazil, Eduardo Berizzo’s men will be fighting against a long and frustrating hoodoo when it comes to facing a very familiar opponent. Paraguay have won just 11 times against Brazil in their entire history – but did notably beat them via penalties at the 2015 Copa America en route to ultimately finishing fourth.
However, they haven’t won an out-and-out match against the Selecao since June 2008.
That being said, veteran striker Oscar Cardozo has netted seven times in his last eight matches for his country, and they will be hoping that the 36-year-old will prove to be the major difference.
