Brazil will lock horns with Paraguay in a repeat of the 2011 quarter-final in which Paraguay stunned the Brazilians on penalties after holding them to a goalless draw. Brazil cannot afford to take their opponents lightly, particularly since they had proved themselves by fighting back from two goals down 
to draw 2-2 with Argentina in their group.
Brazil
Brazil topped Group C with six points, edging Peru 2-1, losing 1-0 to Colombia and then returning to winning ways with a victory in their final group game against Venezuela. Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino scored either side of half-time to fire Brazil to a 2-1 win over Venezuela, sending the five-time world champions into the quarter-finals while saving Colombia from elimination. Defender Thiago Silva, recalled to the starting line-up, opened the scoring for Brazil after just nine minutes when he volleyed home a corner from Robinho. Firmino doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when he leapt to volley home a cross from Chelsea’s Willian. Nicolas Fedor got one back for Venezuela but it was not enough to save Los Llaneros from elimination. Neymar sat in the stands throughout Brazil’s victory, with the Barcelona forward sitting out the first match of his four-game ban. Brazil’s attacking players might feel secretively liberated, knowing they don’t have to constantly play the ball through the Barcelona winger and rather explore the space on the pitch for themselves. With the likes of Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Willian, Diego Tardelli and Douglas Costa; Brazil still have an abundance of world class players who can change the game at any given time.
Paraguay
Paraguay finished Group B as runners-up after sharing the spoils with Colombia. Jose Maria Gimenez put Uruguay in front on the 29th minute with a header, before Paraguay’s Lucas Barrios levelled with his own header a minute before half-time. No goals came from the second half as the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Paraguay remain undefeated in Chile with a win over Jamaica (1-0) and draws against Argentina (2-2) and Uruguay (1-1) under their belt. Paraguay know and have what it takes to progress to the next stage of the competition. The 2011 losing finalists managed a victory over Brazil last time around and with hard work and determination (which they have shown), they definitely have a chance to prove it was no fluke. Barrios has looked lethal for La Albirroja and arguably their most dangerous threat. He scored two goals in the group stage and will be looking to add to that tally. However, with the likes of Silva and Joao Miranda holding the fort for Brazil, it could prove to be a tougher task. Derlis Gonzalez is another hope for Paraguayan football. Trickery on the ball, direct running and the capacity to get into good goalscoring positions means he can be an outlet on the counter and a focal point for attacks to flow through.
Probable Line-ups
Brazil 4-5-1:
Jefferson; Miranda, Filipe Luis, Silva; Firmino, Coutinho, Elias, Willian, Fernandinho; Robinho
Paraguay 4-4-2:
Viller; da Silva, B. Valdez, Piris, Caceres; Molinas, Ortigoza, Barrios, Benitez; Bobadilla, N. Valdez
Prediction: Brazil
Brazil looked good under Dunga entering the tournament, and a quarter-final exit at this stage would be a disappointing way to enter 2018 World Cup qualification. Paraguay are looking solid at present but lack the quality to expose the Brazilians. It won’t be a walk in the park for the Selecao but they should do enough to earn a place in the semi-finals.
Aaron Crowie
