TOP GAMES BETWEEN BRAZIL AND PARAGUAY

Ahead of the clash between Brazil and Paraguay in the Copa America World Cup qualifying match, we look at some of the biggest and most exciting games between both sides.


Both sides have met 76 times ahead of this game slated for Sao Paulo in the 14th round of the qualifying campaign. Of the 76, the Selecao have lost just 11 times. Of the games, 15 were in World Cup qualifying and Brazil have lost just two times.

1. The Copa America 1949

Brazil hosted the event that year and they were the favourites to lift the title. They had an excellent tournament en route to the final but crashed 2-1 to Paraguay. After finishing joint leaders, there was a need for a playoff. The hosts hit their competition 7-0 with goalkeeper Sinforiano Garcia delivering a sterling performance.

2. 1969 qualifying campaign

Brazilian soccer legend Peledelivered this important victory for the country. Paraguay put up a tough fight initially but they fell horribly later. An own goal from Valentin Mendoza, and goals from Jairzinho and Edu did the job.

3. 1985 comeback

In 1985 Brazil used Paraguay as a comeback after being knocked out in the second round three years earlier by Italy. They maintained their tiki taka style with their team riddled with stars like Zico, Renato Gaucho, Socrates and Cerezo. Edinho, Renato and Casagrande combined for the first before Zico did a flick and volley for the second.

4. 1997 Ronaldo brilliance

Both sides met in 1997. Ronaldo got a brace in the game as they saw off Paraguay in the quarter finals. The legend ended up being selected as the most outstanding player as Brazil sailed to victory.

5. 2008 stain

Dunga led Brazil to the 2010 World Cup on a brilliant note as they demolished their continental rivals in the qualification stage. They were the leaders in the 10-team log but their record was tainted with a loss to Paraguay. RoqueSanta Cruz scored the opener in the game at Asuncion before Salvador Cabanas completed the rout.

This time Brazil are the favourites to win as a victory would almost guarantee their spot in Russia 2018, even with games to spare. Paraguay have not had favourable results that would have kept them in contention for qualification but they would not be a walk over the Selacao side.

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