Brazil seeks Copa America redemption against Paraguay

Two teams that have had to taste unsavory results in their first Copa America matches will clash late Friday as Brazil takes on Paraguay in their final group stage fixture.

While Paraguay lost their opening game against Colombia 2-1 to Colombia, Brazil played an unconvincing goalless draw against Costa Rica. The two teams will clash in their second group-stage game at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada.

Neither of the two teams can afford to drop more points, but it’s tougher for Paraguay, who need a miracle if they want to make it from the group stages for a third successive Copa América. They have yet to beat Brazil in 90 minutes since 2008, and Los Guaraníes have only managed five draws and four losses, with three of those losses coming in the last four.

Unfortunately for them, they don’t seem to know how to score, and their current scoring form is abysmal, having netted just three times in their last ten matches. Daniel Garnero’s side has it all to do as he seeks his third win in what will be his ninth fixture.

Brazil, led by coach Dorival Júnior, are yet to lose under their manager, who has two wins and three draws in his first five matches in charge. His side managed 19 shots and 70% possession against Costa Rica, but they still failed to score.

The coach admitted that the team struggled to find the cutting edge, and he hoped that he could find another solution beyond his Endrick for Vinicius Junior substitution, which generated a lot of reactions.

The Seleção are hoping to reach a third successive Copa América final, and they know a win against Paraguay is not negotiable if that must be achieved.

The last time Brazil met Paraguay was in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier in February 2022, with Brazil running away with a 4-0 win, a score line the Brazilians will pray for in Las Vegas.