Brazil – Paraguay

Brazil defeat unmotivated opponent

On the night of 11 June, the Brazilian national team will play against Paraguay. It is very likely that both teams will qualify for the tournament after this match. Paraguay has already actually qualified for the tournament and Brazil needs to take three points for peace of mind. The Brazilians have not impressed at all so far in the first game with Carlo Ancelotti's side. The national team is still going through a very difficult time. Brazil played a grey match against Ecuador - 0-0. There weren't even any clear goalscoring chances in the whole meeting. Brazil didn't score even 0.40 on xG. Ancelotti's new team had only two shots on goal. Obviously, the coach will adjust the players for the next match. After all, the game will already be at home, and the opponent is not stronger. Ancelotti immediately made several changes in the squad. For example, from the first minutes in Ecuador played centre-back Lille Alexandro. In addition, the coach trusted the attacking player Estevao. Obviously, Ancelotti will not abandon the 4-3-3 scheme, where Vinicius will be the leader. Paraguay had a great qualifying campaign. The national team has not lost in qualifying since 2023. There was a failed America's Cup in 2024, but it was in qualifying that the results were excellent. Paraguay often did not shy away from defence. In this style, they managed to beat a trio of grandees: they beat Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. This is one of the best qualifying campaigns for Paraguay in history. The unbeaten streak now stands at nine matches. At the same time, it is important to realise that the mission is actually accomplished - the players' motivation is gone. Especially after an important victory over Uruguay at home. The Paraguayans have already actually celebrated qualification for the tournament with their home fans. Interestingly, there are no big stars in the squad. The Paraguayans take with organisation and the magic of little-known coach Gustavo Alfaro. The Argentine uses a defensive scheme 4-4-2. Paraguay have conceded only nine goals in fifteen qualifying matches. However, the attack is also in trouble - only 13 goals. Paraguay did not shy away from zero draws at all. There were four such results. It is logical to assume that Brazil will demolish unmotivated Paraguay at home. Still, the difference in class is very big, and the guests have no emotions. The Ancelotti factor is also important. The players will try to show themselves in the best light in front of the new coach. A traditional factor in favour of the team that changed the coach. The match from the first round does not look too revealing. It was at home that Brazil defeated Paraguay 4-0 in the last match. Now the hosts will definitely not protect the minimum advantage.