The Seleção of Brazil are set to square off against the Albirroja of Paraguay in their second match of the 2024 Copa America on June 29, 2024, at the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada — as the team look’s to dust itself off the ground after a disappointing tournament opener.
Following a disappointing goalless draw against Costa Rica in their opening match, Brazil will be seeking to bounce back and secure a crucial victory against Paraguay.
The two teams feature in Group D, which also includes Colombia and Costa Rica.
Brazil’s performance in their first match raised concerns among fans and critics alike, as they failed to capitalize on their dominance, managing 19 shots and 70% possession.
This — the dominant performance without finding a way through — has put pressure on Dorival Júnior and his team to deliver against Paraguay, who are eager to cause an upset after losing their opening match to Colombia.
The two sides have a rich history, having faced each other 83 times, with Brazil emerging victorious on 51 occasions and Paraguay winning 13, while they have played out a draw game on 19 occasions.
However, Paraguay have not beaten Brazil in their last nine attempts, with their last victory coming in a 2008 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier. Brazil – on the other hand- have been dominant in recent encounters, scoring 9 goals without reply in their last four matches against Paraguay.
The Brazilian team boasts a wealth of superstars, including Rodrygo, a 2023/2024 Champions League winner, and Vinicius Junior, the favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Alongside Liverpool’s Alisson and Barcelona’s Raphina, they will be looking to make a statement and secure their first win in this year’s Copa America.
Paraguay, meanwhile, will be relying on their experienced players, including Rodrigo Morinigo, Velazquez, and Alderete, to cause an upset. With two Copa America titles under their belt, Paraguay will be seeking to revive their campaign and keep their hopes alive.
The predicted starting lineups for the match are:
Paraguay: Rodrigo Morinigo(GK); Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza; Rojas, Cubas, Caballero; Romero, Arce, Enciso.
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Arana; Bruno Guimaraes, Luiz, Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta; Rodrygo, Viniscius Junior.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with Brazil seeking to assert their dominance and Paraguay looking to pull off a surprise.
Will Brazil finally find their rhythm and secure their first win as they are still in search of ‘o décimo ‘, their tenth Copa America title, or will Paraguay pull off an upset? Only time will tell.
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Story by: Erica Odeenyin Odoom| univers.ug.edu.gh
