Brazil - Paraguay

Brazil take on Paraguay in the teams’ second game of Group B in this year’s Copa America edition. Both sides drew their opening games in the competition against Venezuela and Ecuador respectively and now they will be looking for nothing less than the three points. However, I think that despite the pressure, the symbolic hosts Brazil have what it takes go secure their qualification for the quarter finals.

Brazil were far from convincing in their first game against Venezuela and having in mind the style of play it was not surprising it finished 0:0. Head coach Manu Menezes is not expected to make many changes to the starting eleven but the attacking options in front of him are not many. Brazil have scored only three goals in the last six games including friendly games and this might be a serious problem against the stern Paraguay defence on Saturday evening. Selesao’s record in the last six Copa America games is impressive as they have won four and drawn two of them (4-2-0) conceding 3 and scoring 15 goals.

Paraguay were also involved in a goalless draw at the start of the competition against Ecuador and they will look to take at least a point against Brazil to keep their chances of qualifying among the three best teams in the group that will take part in the quarterfinals. The Guarani played very well against Ecuador but missed out on the three points and coach Martino will probably rely on the same starting eleven as against the Ecuadorians. Paraguay’s record in the competition in the recent editions is not very good as they have not scored in the last three games they have played conceding 7 goals.

Brazil won the last two competitive games against Paraguay with a combined goal difference of 6:2 and they look firm favourites again.