Paraguay National Football Team vs Brazil National Football Team Lineups

The matchup between Paraguay and Brazil in international football is always an exciting spectacle. Both teams boast immense talent, tactical depth, and passionate fans. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the expected lineups for both teams, as well as an analysis of the players to watch and the potential impact of their formations.
Paraguay National Football Team Lineup
Paraguay, known for their defensive grit and counter-attacking play, often relies on their organization and resilience against stronger sides like Brazil. Coached by a tactically astute manager, Paraguay is expected to field a balanced squad blending experienced veterans and young talents.
Expected Starting XI for Paraguay
- Goalkeeper: Antony Silva
A reliable shot-stopper, Silva has been a cornerstone for Paraguay’s defensive stability, delivering crucial saves in high-pressure situations. - Defenders:
- Right-back: Robert Rojas
Known for his pace and defensive awareness, Rojas often ventures forward to support attacking moves. - Center-backs: Gustavo Gómez (Captain) and Junior Alonso
This duo provides a strong backbone for Paraguay’s defense, excelling in aerial duels and reading the game. - Left-back: Blas Riveros
Riveros brings energy and creativity on the left flank, balancing defensive duties with overlapping runs.
- Right-back: Robert Rojas
- Midfielders:
- Defensive Midfielders: Mathías Villasanti and Richard Sánchez
Both players work tirelessly to shield the backline, win back possession, and initiate counter-attacks. - Central Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almirón
The Newcastle United star is the heart of Paraguay’s attack, providing vision, creativity, and pace to unlock defenses.
- Defensive Midfielders: Mathías Villasanti and Richard Sánchez
- Forwards:
- Right-wing: Alejandro Romero
Romero’s trickery and dribbling skills make him a key threat down the flanks. - Left-wing: Ángel Romero
A versatile attacker, Ángel combines work rate and goal-scoring ability to complement Paraguay’s offensive strategy. - Striker: Gabriel Ávalos
A powerful presence in the box, Ávalos is Paraguay’s target man, tasked with finishing chances and holding up play.
- Right-wing: Alejandro Romero
Tactical Approach
Paraguay will likely adopt a compact 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation to contain Brazil’s attacking firepower. They will focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions to exploit Brazil’s high defensive line.
Brazil National Football Team Lineup
Brazil, a football powerhouse, is synonymous with flair, creativity, and attacking brilliance. Managed by one of the world’s most respected tacticians, Brazil’s squad is a star-studded lineup featuring players from top European clubs.
Expected Starting XI for Brazil
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
The Liverpool goalkeeper is renowned for his shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and exceptional distribution. - Defenders:
- Right-back: Danilo
A dependable defender who contributes both defensively and offensively, Danilo offers balance on the right flank. - Center-backs: Marquinhos and Éder Militão
These two are pillars of Brazil’s defense, combining pace, strength, and tactical intelligence. - Left-back: Renan Lodi
Renan’s crossing and attacking mindset make him a key part of Brazil’s offensive transitions.
- Right-back: Danilo
- Midfielders:
- Defensive Midfielders: Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães
Casemiro is a world-class defensive midfielder who excels at breaking up opposition attacks, while Guimarães adds creativity and energy to the midfield. - Attacking Midfielder: Neymar Jr.
The talismanic Neymar operates in a free role, orchestrating Brazil’s attacks with his dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring prowess.
- Defensive Midfielders: Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães
- Forwards:
- Right-wing: Raphinha
The Barcelona winger brings pace and incisiveness, stretching defenses with his wide runs. - Left-wing: Vinícius Jr.
One of the most exciting players in world football, Vinícius combines blistering pace with technical brilliance to wreak havoc on opposition defenses. - Striker: Richarlison
Known for his work rate and predatory instincts, Richarlison is Brazil’s main goal threat in the penalty area.
- Right-wing: Raphinha
Tactical Approach
Brazil will likely deploy an attacking 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 system to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. With Neymar as the focal point, Brazil’s dynamic front three and overlapping full-backs will aim to overwhelm Paraguay’s defense.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Gustavo Gómez vs Richarlison
Paraguay’s captain will have the challenging task of containing Brazil’s versatile striker, Richarlison, who thrives on physical battles and aerial duels. - Miguel Almirón vs Casemiro
Almirón’s ability to exploit spaces in midfield will be tested against Casemiro’s defensive solidity. This battle could determine Paraguay’s attacking success. - Vinícius Jr. vs Robert Rojas
On the flank, Vinícius Jr.’s pace and trickery will clash with Rojas’ defensive discipline, making it a key duel in the game.
Final Thoughts
The clash between Paraguay and Brazil promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their unique styles. Paraguay will rely on their defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess, while Brazil will aim to dominate possession and leverage their attacking firepower.
Regardless of the result, this match is a testament to the passion and skill that South American football embodies. Fans around the world will be glued to their screens to witness a classic contest between two historic footballing nations.
FAQ: Paraguay vs. Brazil National Football Teams
1. What is the historical head-to-head record between Paraguay and Brazil?
Brazil has historically dominated this matchup, winning the majority of their encounters. However, Paraguay has caused upsets in the past, especially in tournaments like the Copa América, where they’ve knocked Brazil out on penalties in some memorable matches.
- Brazil wins: ~55% of matches
- Draws: ~25% of matches
- Paraguay wins: ~20% of matches
2. Where will the match be played?
The venue varies depending on the competition. If it’s a FIFA World Cup Qualifier, the location alternates between Paraguay and Brazil. Matches in Paraguay are usually held at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, while matches in Brazil are often hosted in iconic stadiums like the Maracanã or Arena Corinthians.
3. What are the recent form and rankings of the two teams?
- Brazil: Brazil typically ranks within the top 5 of the FIFA World Rankings and is considered a global football powerhouse. They enter most matches as favorites due to their attacking depth and star players.
- Paraguay: Paraguay tends to rank between 25-50 in the FIFA Rankings. While not as consistent as Brazil, they are known for being a tough, resilient side in South America.
4. Who are the key players to watch in this matchup?
- For Paraguay:
- Miguel Almirón: The Newcastle United midfielder is Paraguay’s most creative force.
- Gustavo Gómez: The captain provides leadership and defensive solidity.
- Ángel Romero: A versatile attacker who can make a difference in crucial moments.
- For Brazil:
- Neymar Jr.: Brazil’s talisman, known for his dribbling, creativity, and finishing.
- Vinícius Jr.: A rising star, his pace and flair are key to Brazil’s attack.
- Casemiro: The midfield enforcer who shields the defense and dictates the tempo.
5. What formations are commonly used by Paraguay and Brazil?
- Paraguay: Typically plays a 4-4-2, 4-3-3, or 4-2-3-1, focusing on compact defense and counter-attacks.
- Brazil: Brazil prefers a more attacking setup, usually a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, designed to dominate possession and press high up the pitch.
6. Are there any significant injuries or suspensions for this match?
Injuries and suspensions often vary closer to the match date. Both teams have deep squads, but losing key players like Neymar for Brazil or Miguel Almirón for Paraguay could significantly impact their chances. Always check the latest team news for updates.
7. How can I watch the match live?
The match is typically broadcast on major sports networks such as:
- ESPN or Fox Sports for international viewers.
- SBT or Globo in Brazil.
- Tigo Sports in Paraguay.
Online streaming platforms like FIFA+ or regional OTT services may also stream the game.
8. What are the key tactical strategies employed by each team?
- Paraguay: Focuses on defensive solidity, often sitting deep and absorbing pressure. They rely on quick transitions and set-pieces to score.
- Brazil: Plays an expansive style with high pressing, short passing combinations, and utilizing the flanks to stretch the opposition’s defense.
9. How have these teams performed in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers?
- Brazil: Consistently one of the top-performing teams, Brazil often qualifies with games to spare due to their dominance in CONMEBOL qualifiers.
- Paraguay: Paraguay has had mixed results, with some strong campaigns that saw them qualify for the World Cup and others where they narrowly missed out.
10. What is the rivalry between Paraguay and Brazil like?
While not as intense as Brazil’s rivalries with Argentina or Uruguay, matches against Paraguay are fiercely contested. Paraguay’s resilience and ability to frustrate Brazil’s attacking play have added intrigue to their encounters, especially in competitive fixtures like the Copa América.
11. What are the chances of an upset by Paraguay?
Paraguay has the ability to cause an upset if they execute their game plan effectively, especially in home matches. Defensive discipline and exploiting set-pieces are key to their success against stronger teams like Brazil.
12. Who has the better record in Copa América clashes?
Brazil has a better overall record in Copa América, but Paraguay has caused notable upsets in recent editions. They eliminated Brazil in the quarterfinals via penalty shootouts in both 2011 and 2015.
13. How do weather and altitude affect the match?
- In Paraguay: Hot and humid conditions in Asunción can make matches physically demanding, especially for teams not accustomed to such climates.
- In Brazil: Matches at sea-level venues like Rio de Janeiro tend to favor Brazil’s fast-paced style. However, high-altitude venues in places like Belo Horizonte can be challenging for visiting teams.
14. What’s the biggest victory between the two teams?
- Brazil: Brazil once defeated Paraguay 7-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 1959, marking one of their most dominant performances.
- Paraguay: Paraguay’s most notable victory over Brazil was a 2-1 win during the 2008 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.