How many people genuinely bet, before the start of the 2011 Copa America, that La Vinotinto would be confirmed quarter-finalists ahead of the Paraguay vs Venezuela match?
It’s incredible but true. The Venezuelans could be seen as favorites to win—perhaps not on paper, but overall as coach Cesar Farias explained ahead of match-day 3. AFP quoted the boss as saying:
“We have no suspended or injured players. We are adding positive things that allow us to keep on dreaming, and that means that we are doing something well, but we are not qualified.
“We have to be very focused with this good chance. In the first game the team had hold the result, the second we were more released, and the in third one will have to play with the result and with the pressure, which is less than Paraguay's.”
La Vinotinto recorded a historical goalless draw against Copa America reigning champions Brazil in their opening game before stunning Ecuador 1-0. Paraguay, meanwhile, had 3 precious points reduced to a single one in their last fixture as Fred got a late equalizer for Brazil.
Now here is the deal for the Venezuelans: a win over the Paraguayans will secure them the top spot in Group B with 7 points. They could also top their table with a draw depending on the result between Brazil and Ecuador. Besides, a defeat to Paraguay won’t disqualify Venezuela thanks to Bolivia's loss to Colombia on Sunday night.
In any case, Venezuela will at least be among the best two runners-up. But Paraguay’s chances of progressing no matter the result are extremely slim and rather complicated. The safest thing for them will be to triumph over Venezuela.
“We have no suspended or injured players. We are adding positive things that allow us to keep on dreaming, and that means that we are doing something well, but we are not qualified.
“We have to be very focused with this good chance. In the first game the team had hold the result, the second we were more released, and the in third one will have to play with the result and with the pressure, which is less than Paraguay's.”
La Vinotinto recorded a historical goalless draw against Copa America reigning champions Brazil in their opening game before stunning Ecuador 1-0. Paraguay, meanwhile, had 3 precious points reduced to a single one in their last fixture as Fred got a late equalizer for Brazil.
Now here is the deal for the Venezuelans: a win over the Paraguayans will secure them the top spot in Group B with 7 points. They could also top their table with a draw depending on the result between Brazil and Ecuador. Besides, a defeat to Paraguay won’t disqualify Venezuela thanks to Bolivia's loss to Colombia on Sunday night.
In any case, Venezuela will at least be among the best two runners-up. But Paraguay’s chances of progressing no matter the result are extremely slim and rather complicated. The safest thing for them will be to triumph over Venezuela.
