Will history repeat itself in Brazil vs. Paraguay?
Brazil will open the knockout stages of this years’ Copa America just as they did the group stages. Against a Paraguay side who made it through by being one of the two best third-placed teams in the three groups. Undoubtedly Brazil are huge favourites given the history of the two footballing nations and their recent form, though Paraguay knocked Brazil out on penalties at this stage of the competition in both 2011 and 2015, could lightning strike thrice?
Group stage campaigns
The hosts steered through a tricky Group A with ease, notably dismantling Peru 5-0 in the final group match giving them momentum to take into this fixture. Though Tete’s side have had some difficult parts of games in the tournament so far. It must be stressed how poor Peru were defensively against them and they will be coming up against a Paraguayan defence that only conceded once in each match versus Argentina and Colombia, who both boast a wealth of attacking talent. Additionally, Brazil failed to score in a goalless draw with Venezuela, demonstrating that they can be shut out.
Paraguay on the other hand are in the quarterfinals by the skin of their teeth, or the better goal difference they had over Japan. Having said that they put in a great performance against the Argies on matchday two, with 10 attempts at goal to La Albiceleste’s seven in a 1-1 draw. Miguel Almiron is their standout player with two assists already in the tournament if they are to pull off an upset, he would be the man to turn the screw.
Recent form
Brazil come into this one unbeaten in 13 (11W, 2D) with only one of those victories not being accompanied by a clean sheet. They also have not let a goal in against a CONMEBOL nation in 754 minutes of football, which is a considerable while. Four out of their last five wins has seen them score exactly three goals in one half, so a hot streak could be likely in this encounter.
The White and Red will take more encouragement from their head-to-head record rather than their recent results having only won one in 11. However, four of their last five clashes with Brazil have seen a level score line at full time. Both teams have scored in six of their last nine as well and this game could possibly be the last Copa America appearance for Oscar Cardozo, the Paraguay legend will want to go out with a bang.
Brazil - Paraguay Betting Tip
Brazil will be tested, and it will by no means be a walk in the park, but they will get past Paraguay comfortably.
Brazil to Win + Under 3.5 goals with Bethard at odds of 0.75/1.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Brazil dominated the game only allowing one shot on target but 10-man Paraguay managed to cling on all the way to penalties but eventually lost 4-3 in the shootout, missing twice. This bet is a loss because the Brazilians could not get the job done in 90 minutes.