PA 23358820
Home  »    »    »    »  Copa America quarter-finals: Brazil battle surprise package Paraguay

Copa America quarter-finals: Brazil battle surprise package Paraguay

| 27.06.2015
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

When Neymar received his ban earlier in the Copa America campaign, Brazil could have easily folded without their reliant star forward, but instead the Samba Boys have actually looked a more balanced side as they prepare for a quarter-final clash against Paraguay.

Without a doubt, Barcelona’s Neymar is the most gifted Brazilian in Dunga’s squad, but other young starlets and experienced heads have come to the fore for the eight-time winners of this prestigious competition.

Brazil are 4/1 with Coral to secure victory in 90 minutes with both teams getting on the scoresheet, and Dunga will hope his talented roster can finish off their opposition in normal time, with the lottery of a penalty shoot-out looming rather than extra-time following a stalemate.

Brazil Mexico Soccer

Paraguay have been somewhat of a surprise package this summer in Chile (4/1 to win), but Brazil attacking midfielder Willian claims his side are already looking forward to a potential semi-final showdown with close rivals Argentina.

“Undoubtedly it is always great to play for Brazil against Argentina, and if it happens it will be really cool. Everyone dreams of playing against Argentina. We are getting ready for the possibility of that happening, but we must not get ahead of ourselves,” stated the Chelsea attacker.

Although, Brazil can expect a tough test from their South American counterparts, who managed to beat Dunga’s men on penalties at this stage of the competition in 2011.

“Paraguay are competitive opponents, and it will be a fight for the full 90 minutes,” Willian added. “But as a national team we know well how to play against these sides.

“In the last Copa America we were eliminated by Paraguay but I hope it can be different this time. Hopefully we can play the game the way we like, with joy and responsibility and can eliminate a tricky opponent.”

Brazil Honduras Soccer

With Neymar out of action through suspension, new Liverpool signing Firmino has risen to prominence, becoming an integral part of Dunga’s side having struck in the earlier 2-1 triumph over Venezuela. The new Anfield arrival is 3/1 to fire Brazil to victory in 90 minutes in this quarter-final encounter.

Paraguay possess the firepower capable of causing Brazil an upset, but it will be an uphill battle, and their top scorer so far in the competition Lucas Barrios is sure to be a threat. The frontman, who is nicknamed ‘the Panther’ for his clinical instincts in the box, will have added motivation to knock out Brazil, having been born in Argentina. He is 11/4 to score anytime in 90 minutes.

Two-time champions Paraguay face a daunting task of thwarting Brazil’s in-form attack, with a resurgent Robinho and Liverpool menace Philippe Coutinho having run riot against Venezuela. Dunga will aim to lift his country’s first Copa America since 2007 and are 5/1 third-favourites to do so on Chilean soil.

«
»

Author

Lee Gormley

Lee joined the Coral team in 2014 after studying at Leeds Trinity University, having moved across the water from Ireland, and has plenty of industry experience from his time with various news outlets in both England and Northern Ireland. After graduating with a BA Honours degree in Sports Journalism, he has since become an important member of the talented sports desk, passionately covering boxing, football and snooker, among many other sports. Lee is also a massive Manchester United and Republic of Ireland fan, but curbs any bias during his work, and outside of his job can be found regularly taking part in sport himself, such as boxing, GAA and football.