Prediction Copa America 2011 Brazil vs Paraguay
Sunday, July 17, 2011 by Joni Blakblakan
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July 17, 2011 8:00:00 PM BST
Estadio Ciudad de La Plata — La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires
The Selecao stumble into this quarter-final showdown against Gerardo Martino's men for a place in the semis, having come close to a defeat against the Guarani earlier in Group B.
Mano Menezes looks set to to be without Thiago Silva for the clash against Paraguay. The AC Milan defender is struggling with a right thigh muscle injury and missed out on Friday training with the team, instead going through a session with the physio. David Luiz is expected to replace Thiago Silva in the heart of a somewhat leaky defence, whilst Mano also has the luxury of Luisao - a member of the past two Copa America-winning sides - in the squad to partner Lucio. Maicon, who caught the eye with an assured performance in the 4-2 win over Ecuador, will also be likely to be given the nod ahead of the unimpressive Daniel Alves as the Selecao look to seal a semi-final spot.
Paraguay: Villar; Piris, Da Silva, Veron, Torres; Barreto, Ortigoza, Riveros, Estigarribia; Santa Cruz, Barrios
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino is sweating on the fitness of key striker Roque Santa Cruz. The Blackburn forward was forced off during the thrilling 3-3 draw with Venezuela and was replaced by Nelson Haedo Valdez. The tactician, who is due to leave his post following the Copa America, added: "We will give it another day and wait on the results of tests."
- Brazil are the defending champions of the Copa America, having won in Venezuela in 2007.
- The Selecao qualified for the quarter finals in unconvincing fashion, having been held to draws against the Guarani and Venezuela, before coming out on top in a thrilling 4-2 win against Ecuador.
- Neymar and Pato both chipped in with a brace of goals as Brazil qualified as Group B winners.
- The winner of this tie faces a semi-final showdown against Chile or Venezuela in Mendoza on July 20.
- Mano Menezes' men are unbeaten in six games, since a 1-0 reverse to France in Paris in February
- Paraguay qualified by virtue of being one of two best third-placed sides.
- The Guarani are yet to taste victory in the 2011 Copa America, having been held to a draw in all three of their group games.
- However, Gerardo Martino's men - who came close to defeating Brazil in this year's tournament before being pegged back by a 90th-minute equaliser, have history in winning against the Selecao in the Copa, doing so en route to topping their group in 2004.
- Roque Santa Cruz has become the joint all-time leading scorer of his nation, having grabbed a record-equalling 25th strike against Brazil in the 2-2 draw earlier in the group stages. The record, taken from Jose Cardozo, had stood for six years.
