Qatar to put in an impressive opening display
The underdogs of Group B face off on Sunday as the Asia Cup champions Qatar take on a youthful Paraguay side who have not had much success in recent years. The infamous hosts of the 2022 World Cup will be looking to build on their triumph earlier this year and prove they are a solid outfit coming up against tougher opponents than they have of late in a competitive environment. Qatar won the two nations’ only ever previous meeting 2-0 in Paraguay in 2009.
Recent form
Though the Paraguayans will be fancied for this one, they come into it on very modest form with their opponents arguably in better shape. But in an unfamiliar atmosphere the South Americans should have the edge. The White and Red are unbeaten in their last 14 Copa America openers. The Qataris went down 2-0 last time out against hosts Brazil, ending a run of seven consecutive wins. Six of those seven victories had been achieved alongside a clean sheet with the nation only conceding two or more goals once in their last 29 matches. A statistic to be taken with a pinch of salt given the quality of opposition.
Key players
Almoez Ali won the golden boot at the Asia Cup getting on the scoresheet nine times. He averages a goal every other game in international football and will have the chance to test his abilities at a much higher level in the coming weeks. As for the South Americans, Miguel Almiron, showed promise in the Premier League having signed for Newcastle United in January. The 25-year-old will be key in his creative talent if Paraguay are to pull off any shock result at this years’ tournament. Benfica legend Oscar Cardozo has made the squad the age of 36 and it will be his last chance to perform on such a big stage. They have the tools to beat Qatar but they have been very poor since their last competitive matches in World Cup 2018 qualifying.
Qatar
On paper beating South Korea and Japan on the way to being crowned Asia Cup champions is excellent and suggests that the Maroons can be competitive in the tournament. If they can continue their defensive solidarity that has seen them put this impressive run together than they will be a banana skin for each of the teams in Group B. Though having said that it feels like they do not have a realistic chance at progressing because of the talent Colombia and Argentina possess, unless they beat Paraguay I would expect their goal difference to not be good enough to get through as one of the best third placed teams.
Qatar to give a good account of themselves and make it difficult for Paraguay to create chances. This is a must win game for both sides if they are to have a good tournament.
Paraguay – Qatar Betting Tip
Double Chance Qatar to Win or Draw with Bet365 at odds of 6/5.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Qatar came back from 2-0 down to level the game in the 77th minute. Goals from Ali Almoez and Boualem Khoukhi earned the Asia Cup winners’ first ever Copa America point.