Paraguay vs Brazil
Brazil are looking unbeatable in World Cup 2022 qualifying. They picked up their fifth win in five against Ecuador and are now four points clear at the top after Argentina’s draw.
The Selecao will put their perfect start on the line once again as they pay a visit to Paraguay, who have made a surprisingly good start to their qualification campaign.
The Albirroja are one of three teams along with Brazil and Argentina who are still unbeaten in qualifying and are currently in fourth place with a win and four draws.
But still, the World Cup 2022 betting odds have Brazil favoured to keep their perfect start to qualifying intact.
Talking Points
Plucky Paraguay keep picking up points
It hasn’t been pretty, but Paraguay keep picking up points. They are now up to seven points in five matches after getting a goalless draw away to Uruguay last week, good for fourth place in the standings. They also snatched a 1-1 draw away to Argentina in November after taking an early lead.
Manager Eduardo Berizzo has built quite a formidable defensive unit; with West Ham United centre-back Fabian Balbuena leading the way, Paraguay have given up just five goals thus far, the third-best defensive record behind the top two of Brazil and Argentina.
Meanwhile, they have relied on Angel Romero for producing their World Cup 2022 highlights. The 28-year-old striker has six goals in 25 caps for his country; four of those goals have come during this current qualifying campaign, which is tied for second.
Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United will offer support in attack, but he is not much of a goalscoring threat with just two goals in 30 caps.
Paraguay will almost surely be on the defensive at home against leaders Brazil and hope they can withstand the pressure the Selecao will surely bring for the full 90 minutes.
Brazil breezing through qualifying
Brazil’s World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign has been a breeze thus far. They are comfortably on top of the CONMEBOL standings through five games with 14 goals scored and just two conceded — the best marks in South America.
The Selecao are coming off a 2-0 home win over high-flying Ecuador. The hosts completely dominated the match; they controlled 66 per cent of possession and kept Ecuador from getting a single shot on target. Richarlison finally gave them the lead before Neymar struck with a penalty in stoppage time.
Neymar was excellent once again for Brazil. He had three shots (all on target) and assisted Richarlison’s opener. The Paris Saint-Germain star has now scored four goals in this qualifying campaign, which leads the team. Richarlison and Roberto Firmino are not far back with three goals apiece.
Tite surprisingly gave Gabriel Barbosa the start over Roberto Firmino up front against Ecuador. It was the 24-year-old’s first appearance for the Selecao since October 2019. Gabigol was lively with four shots (two on target) before being substituted for Firmino, and he may have done enough to earn another start.
Manchester United midfielder Fred was also handed a rare start for his country but was substituted as Brazil pushed for a goal.
With Brazil likely to have much of the ball against Paraguay, Tite could opt to replace Fred and play with another forward from the start.
History
Brazil have historically had the upper hand over Paraguay; the Selecao have a significant 49-13 lead in terms of wins, with 19 draws. However, La Albirroja have been surprisingly competitive during this century.
Over their last 15 matches, Paraguay have won four times at the end of 90 minutes. They also beat Brazil twice in the knockout round of the Copa America (2011 and 2015) on penalties and had three other draws.
Paraguay once again held Brazil to a goalless draw in their most recent meeting in the 2019 Copa America quarter-finals. But Brazil got their revenge as they won on penalties en route to winning the title.
Betting Tip
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Paraguay vs Brazil | Under 2.50 @ 1.76 |
| June 9, 08:30 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Brazil installed as significant 1.60 favourites to win away from home. Paraguay are priced at 6.40 at home, while a draw is 3.35.
Brazil have undoubtedly been impressive to start this qualification campaign, but they could have some problems breaking down this plucky Paraguay side away from home. La Albirroja have a history of making it tough for the Selecao, and their recent form suggests they could do so again.
With all the quality Brazil possess, they could very easily pick up their sixth win in six games. But whatever the result of this match, it is likely it will finish as a hard-fought, low-scoring affair.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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