Brazil kicked off Copa America 2024 impressively with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Vinicius Jr’s brace and goals from Savio and Paqueta secured the win. Despite Paraguay’s efforts, highlighted by Alderete’s stunning goal, Brazil dominated with 55% possession, 17 shots, and 6 on target. Cubas’ red card hindered Paraguay, sealing Brazil’s control. Next, Brazil faces Colombia in a crucial group stage clash.
Brazil Starts Copa America 2024 Strong with Win Against Paraguay
Brazil began their Copa America 2024 campaign with a convincing victory over Paraguay. Following a challenging debut against Costa Rica, coach Dorival Junior opted to tweak the forward lineup, introducing Savio in place of Raphinha. The team started aggressively and earned an early penalty, which Lucas Paqueta unfortunately missed, setting the tone for the match.
Vinicius Jr Leads Brazil to Victory in Copa America 2024
Vinicius Jr guided Brazil to victory by scoring two crucial goals. He opened the scoring with a close-range finish to give Brazil the lead, followed by Savio extending it further. Later, Vinicius Jr capitalized on a fortunate rebound, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to secure his brace.
Brazil Maintains Dominance Despite Paraguay’s Efforts
At halftime, Brazil held a commanding 3-0 lead against Paraguay. However, Paraguay quickly responded after the break with Omar Alderete scoring a stunning long-range goal that caught Alisson by surprise. Despite Paraguay’s spirited efforts in the second half, their hopes dwindled when Lucas Paqueta successfully converted a penalty, making up for his earlier miss. Another handball by Paraguay led to this opportunity, and Brazil capitalized effectively.
Andres Cubas’ Red Card Mars Paraguay’s Efforts
Following a confrontation with Douglas Luiz, Andres Cubas was dismissed after kicking out at the Aston Villa player during a challenge near the halfway line. With a numerical advantage, Brazil comfortably controlled the game until the final whistle. Next, Dorival Junior’s squad prepares to face their most challenging opponent to date, Colombia, in their upcoming group stage match on Tuesday, July 2nd.
Starting Lineups for Brazil vs. Paraguay
Brazil: Alisson in goal; Danilo, Militao, Marquinhos, and Wendell in defense; Guimaraes and Gomes in midfield; Savio, Paqueta, Vinicius in attacking midfield; and Rodrygo as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, from right to left.
Paraguay: Morinigo as goalkeeper; Espinoza, Alderete, Balbuena, and Velazquez in defense; Bobadilla, Cubas, and Villasanti in midfield; with Enciso, Arce, and Almiron in attacking positions in a 4-3-3 setup, from right to left.
Match Stats Summary
In a closely contested match, Brazil recorded 17 shots compared to Paraguay’s 15, with both teams registering 6 shots on target each. Brazil dominated possession with 55%, completing 405 passes to Paraguay’s 333. They also earned more corners (6 to 4) and committed slightly more fouls (13 to 12). The game saw a total of 5 yellow cards (3 for Brazil, 2 for Paraguay) and 1 offside call against Paraguay. Brazil’s expected goals were significantly higher at 3.86 compared to Paraguay’s 0.79.
