Brazil's performance wasn't all that bad even without Neymar, but their skills and timing will be challenged for the first time when they fight against a defensive powerhouse for the last remaining semi-final ticket. Paraguay has been the thorn in Brazil's side for quite some time now, and they will try to prove that again when they meet in the city of Concepción.
It's no secret that Paraguay's playing style is based upon being well placed in the back, but their general game plan includes taking advantage of their chances created via set pieces. Coach Ramón Díaz has brought his own trademark of defensive football, adding some creativity on the wings with Edgar Benitez and Raul Bobadilla. Up front, Lucas Barrios has overtaken legendary striker Roque Santa Cruz as the team's go-to guy, and with the physical presence of Nelson Haedo, Paraguay can be a serious threat for Brazil. If you consider also captain Paulo Da Silva and Club America's Pablo Aguilar, you have at least five top weapons of choice when the team gets set pieces action.
Brazil's chances of progression rely mostly on three men: Roberto Firmino, recently signed by Liverpool, former Manchester City ace Robinho, and finally, Chelsea's Willian. These three players will be in charge of creating danger in front of a defense that has only allowed goals via set pieces (one penalty kick, one corner kick headed in). Neymar's absence will provide a huge blow for Dunga's team, and if stats have any say on the matter, Brazil and Paraguay could make this one go to the penalty shootout once more.
Out of their most recent six meetings, Paraguay has emerged victorious in three games, with one draw and two wins for A Canarinha. Their latest match, during the 2011 Copa América Quarter-finals, ended up with a 0-0 draw, which led to a penalty shootout. Both sides were awful from the 11-yard spot, missing six out of the eight shots taken. Those two goals were scored by La Albirroja, the team that would end up meeting Uruguay in the final match.
Historically, Dunga's team has made a habit out of winning tough matches not by depending on one man, as they would do if Neymar was available. The concept of working as a team has to be embraced by his Starting XI, and that could be the key to stop Paraguay. The fact that no player stands out above the rest might be the edge Brazil needs, since Paraguay has worked quite correctly when they had to guard one man in particular, like they did against Argentina and Uruguay.
Los Guaraníes are one of the three remaining teams in the tournament that have not lost a single match. Will Brazil be able to knock them out of the competition?
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Brazil 1 - 1P Paraguay
June 27, 2015 5:30pmEstadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo (Concepción)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
