Paraguay vs Brazil preview, team news, tickets and prediction
Paraguay is up against Brazil in one of the David versus Goliath clashes of the 2024 Copa America where important points will be on the line in Group D.
Paraguay goes face-to-face with Brazil, the highest-ranked team in their group, and the aim will be to get a respectable result in their Copa America campaign.
Brazil often tends to beat Paraguay comfortably, but their last four meetings at the Copa America have all ended in a draw. Hence, this upcoming match might be closer than at first thought.
Paraguay have been crowned champions of this competition twice (1953 and 1979) and after consecutive quarterfinal finishes, they will be desperate for more this term.
Their World Cup qualification has been poor as it took four matches for their first goal and first win. A draw with Peru was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Venezuela which spelled the end of Barros Schelotto’s tenure.
Daniel Garnero understandably failed to inspire a win against Argentina but they prevailed over Bolivia via a lone goal from Antonio Sanabria. Yet, their new head coach has a lot to do to get a tune out of his side who have been lukewarm at best.
Paraguay have managed a single goal out of their six qualifiers and they are the lowest ranked in their group behind Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica. It is up to them to exceed the expectations on them and they must be tactically solid and prepared to take on all challenges.
Perhaps the fact that they have only conceded three goals in World Cup qualifying points to a strong defensive setup. That unity could be key considering their upcoming opponents but they have some real quality sprinkled with experience in the squad.
The recent return of Oscar Cardoso to the international fold is a reference point for the team as the 40-year-old striker is the oldest player to score for Paraguay in Copa America and he would look to play a role this summer.
Brazil may be fifth in the World Rankings but the last couple of years have been shambolic as a quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup was followed by massive upheaval in 2023. The Seleção suffered defeats to Morocco and Senegal in the first three friendly matches of the year while the World Cup qualification campaign began with two wins from two.
The October international window will not be looked back on with fond memories following a 1-1 draw with Venezuela and a 2-0 defeat in Uruguay to end their long unbeaten streak in qualifiers.
Things got even worse a month later with devastating losses to both Colombia and Argentina. The latter, which took place at the Maracana Stadium, proved the nation's first-ever defeat at home in a World Cup qualification match.
It ultimately cost Fernando Diniz his caretaker job as Dorival Junior took charge in January 2024. They since got off to a good start as Endrick's first international goal decided a friendly against England before another thrilling game against Spain that ended 3-3.
The nine-time Copa America winners are looking to reach a third consecutive final in the continental tournament and they must be comfortable with not being one of the top favourites.
Nevertheless, they possess the quality and know-how to surpass all expectations and get the job done this summer.
Paraguay are stubborn opponents but the Little Canary must find a way past such challenges to earn a place in the knockout rounds.
Match tickets
This Copa America showdown is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 29 June 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 2 AM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on the websites of both national federations as well as the Copa America organizers so you can hurry to purchase yours.
The Allegiant Stadium will host this match and more than 60,000 people should be present to witness their team compete at a continental tournament. Paraguay’s white and red with Brazil’s yellow and green should make for a bright atmosphere on the ground and several fans would already be rushing to get their match tickets.
This game is likely to be quickly sold out so supporters still looking for Paraguay vs Brazil tickets can find them on a resale site.
Team news
Paraguay have Miguel Almiron as the only fitness worry but he is set to be back before the end of the season and they can call upon a full-strength squad. Of course, everyone is also hoping Cardozo can be available for this sensational swansong.
Neymar has been ruled out of action for Brazil due to an ACL injury he suffered last October while names like Alisson Becker, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, Ederson, Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos also missed the most recent international window in March.
It remains to be seen how many of their stars would be definitely ruled out come the summer.
Line-ups
Paraguay possess a good core and Garnero must harness that to good use in order to qualify from a very difficult group. They will have to be at their best and look forward to getting results from the group’s heavyweights, hence, a draw would be considered a very good result.
Paraguay: Carlos; Balbuena, Gomez, Alderete, Espinoza; Villasanti, Cubas; Rojas, Almiron, Sanabria, Bareiro
Brazil will be without a notable star name in Neymar but that could work in their favour as it gives their young but dynamic group a chance to grow into the tournament without excessive attention.
Thus, the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha and Richarlison are all tasked with providing the team with enough inspiration.
Brazil: Alisson; Emerson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Lodi; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Richarlison, Vinicius
Prediction
Paraguay are firm underdogs against Brazil but they have a track record of holding Verde-Amarela at this tournament. Hence, they will be concentrating on denying Brazil the space to hurt them effectively.
Brazil must win this game by a good margin so they must start well and pressure the Paraguay defence into submission to attain early qualification into the knockout rounds.
Paraguay 0-2 Brazil
