Copa América Brazil with liberating blow against Paraguay
Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta (r) celebrates with his teammates. Photo
© LE Baskov/AP/dpa
After a disappointing start, the Seleção celebrated its first success at the tournament in the USA. The Brazilians now have group victory in their own hands. Lionel Messi has to take a break.
After a scoreless draw and a bitter start for Brazil at the Copa América, the South Americans managed to break free in their second match. The Seleção celebrated a 4:1 (3:0) victory against Paraguay at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. For coach Dorival Júnior’s team, it was an important success to keep the group victory in their hands. Paraguay was eliminated from the tournament after the defeat. “I said be patient. Because this team is on the right path,” said the coach after the match.
Lucas Paquetá initially missed a penalty (31st minute), before four minutes later Vinicius Júnior of Real Madrid scored the Brazilians’ first goal in this competition after a beautiful dribble. Savinho added another shortly after (43rd minute), before Vinicius Junior scored his second goal shortly before the half-time whistle (45th+5).
Omar Alderete reduced the deficit to 3-1 for Paraguay with a great long-range shot (48th minute). Paquetá scored from a handball penalty to make it 4-1 (65th minute). Television cameras showed star striker Neymar celebrating in the stands. He has been injured since October last year and the Brazilians will have to do without him for this tournament in the USA.
With four points, Brazil is behind Colombia (6) in the table. Thanks to their 3-0 (1-0) win over Costa Rica, the Colombians have already secured their place in the quarter-finals before their duel with Brazil on Wednesday (3:00 a.m. CEST).
World champions Argentina, who have also already qualified for the quarter-finals, will be without Lionel Messi in their last group match against Peru on Sunday night. The 37-year-old superstar injured his right thigh in the 1-0 win against Chile. Assistant coach Walter Samuel announced that the team would monitor the injury and decide on a day-to-day basis.
dpa
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