Jackpot in Las Vegas. Brazil put on a show on Friday in Nevada with a victory against Paraguay (4-1). A reassuring victory after a failed entry against Costa Rica (0-0), which smells good of the quarter-finals.
Things had started badly for the Seleção, who began to tremble when Lucas Paqueta sent a penalty to the right of the opposing goal (32nd). Fortunately for Brazil, their new hero Vinicius, a recent Champions League winner with Real Madrid, saved his teammates from brain-twisting by finishing off a superb team move alone in front of the goalkeeper (35th) that he had initiated, with inspired relays from former Lyon players Bruno Guimaraes and Paqueta. Savio and then Vinicius, again, hammered the nail in before the break.
Paraguay reduced the score with a superb strike from Omar Adelete from 25 meters. But Paqueta was responsible for calming the opposing team’s enthusiasm by scoring his second penalty (65th), causing Neymar, injured and not selected for the competition, to rejoice in the stands.
Vinicius’ little charge against the referees
Vinicius hailed “a great match” from Brazil, and criticized the organization of the competition, which is taking place in the United States. “The Copa America is always complicated, between the quality of the pitches, the referees and the way Conmebol treats us,” he said without going into details.
Thanks to this success, Brazil is 2nd in Group D with 4 points, behind Colombia (6 points), winner of Costa Rica (3-0) earlier in the day and therefore qualified for the quarter-finals. The Seleção will have the opportunity to finish at the top of the group in the event of a victory against Colombia on Tuesday in Santa Clara (California), while a draw would ensure qualification for the quarterfinals, which they have a good chance of reaching even in the event of defeat, given its very favorable goal difference with Costa Rica.
Messi preserved
In Group A, the suspense is even thinner. Argentina has already qualified before even playing its third match against Peru. This does not prevent the Albiceleste, the reigning champion, from worrying. Their icon Lionel Messi will pass his turn for this hairdressers’ match.
Walter Samuel, assistant coach of the selection, explained that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, aged 37, was being checked “day after day” for an injury to his right adductor. “Leo had a problem in the previous match, he will not be there for this match (against Peru), he said on Friday.
Argentina only needs a draw against Peru on Saturday in Miami to be assured of finishing top of the group.
