Hosts Brazil will look to seal their place in the semi-finals when they take on Paraguay at the Arena do Grêmio on Friday morning. As ever, you will be able to cover all the action from the 2019 Copa America via beIN CONNECT.
The Seleção are in sumptuous form heading into the contest, following their 5-0 demolition job of Peru to top Group A in emphatic style. Brazil was handed two early goals, which ended the game as a contest before goals from Everton, a superb team goal from Dani Alves and a late strike from Willian put the gloss on an impressive performance.
Brazil has certainly underlined their credentials as favourites for the crown and will have to be at their best against a Paraguay side who have dumped Brazil out on penalties in both the 2011 and 2015 editions of the tournament.
In team news, Tite is likely to stick with the same side that started so well against Peru. Which would see Roberto Firmino lead a front three alongside Gabriel Jesus and Everton. The left winger Everton has been one of the standout players in the squad and has two goals and an assist to his name from the opening group games. The Gremio forward is catching the eye of several European sides, including Manchester United don’t be surprised if a move to Europe happens this summer.
Brazil Predicted Team
Alisson; Alves, Marquinhos, Silva, Luis; Casemiro, Arthur; Gabriel Jesus, Coutinho, Everton; Firmino
Alisson; Alves, Marquinhos, Silva, Luis; Casemiro, Arthur; Gabriel Jesus, Coutinho, Everton; Firmino
As for Paraguay, they qualified for the quarter-finals by the virtue of being the second-best third-placed side in the competition. With Ecuador and Japan drawing 1-1, Eduardo Berizzo’s progressed on goal difference.
It’s been a mixed bag for the La Albirroja thus far in Brazil. The first game saw them race into a 2-0 lead before being pegged back by invited side Qatar, whilst the second game saw a composed defensive display which yielded a 1-1 draw with Argentina. The final game saw a narrow 1-0 defeat to group winners Colombia.
Amazingly, Paraguay’s recent record in the Copa has been impressive without somehow winning virtually any games. In 2011 the side finished second as runners up, drawing five of six games and not registering a single victory, whilst in 2015 La Albirroja made the semi-finals before being trounced 6-1 at the hands of Argentina.
Defensive stability will be key for the Paraguayans who will be looking to take the tie to extra-time and hope for the best. Veteran striker Óscar Cardozo is likely to lead the line, and his experience will be vital if Paraguay are to mount an upset. At 36, it is likely to be the last major tournament of the former Benfica hitman who would love to go out with a bang against the hosts.
Paraguay Predicted Team
Fernandez; Valdez, Balbuena, Alonso, Arzamendia; Ortiz, Rojas; Gonzalez, Almiron, Dominguez; Cardozo
Fernandez; Valdez, Balbuena, Alonso, Arzamendia; Ortiz, Rojas; Gonzalez, Almiron, Dominguez; Cardozo
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