Brazil vs. Paraguay

Paraguay are slowly recovering from their defeat to Chile and are prepared to face Brazil tomorrow night in Recife. The ball starts rolling at 20:50ET.

What can we expect after our horrific display on Saturday night? I’m slightly optimistic for a better result.

First, our defensive line of four will be improved. We missed three key players in the defense against Chile: Veron, Da Silva, and Morel-Rodriguez. Dario Veron and Paulo Da Silva will be back from suspensions. Morel-Rodriguez is recovering from an injury and the coach will wait for him to the very last minute.

In the midfield, Santana is now fit to play. It is Barreto who is in doubt since he reinjured himself against Chile. Barreto could be replaced by Bonet or Ledesma.

In the offense, Salvador Cabanas is back. Too many times he has proven to be a game changing player, even more than Santa Cruz. Cabanas paired with “Pajaro” Benitez could do some damage.

Our likely formation will be:

Villar
Veron, J.Caceres, Da Silva, Caniza
Bonet or Barreto, V.Caceres, Riveros, Santana
“Pajaro” Benitez and Cabanas

Unfortunately, this is not our A team since we are missing Morel-Rodriguez, Haedo, and Santa Cruz.

Still, this line-up should do a better job of fighting for ball possession and defending with precision. We greatly missed both of these aspects of our football against Chile.

All the ingredients for a great game are there. Brazil is coming from a huge victory in Uruguay and they want to get even with Paraguay. Let me remind you that Paraguay pretty much manhandled Brazil in the 1st game in Asunción (2-0).

On the other hand, Paraguay really wants to bury the Chile disaster.

To top it all off, the lead is at stake.

My prediction is that we come back with a hard fought point from Recife.

Fuerza Albirroja!!!