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Aron Wright - June 27, 2021
Uruguay vs Paraguay
Copa America 2021
Date: Tuesday, 29 June 2021
Kick-off at 1:00 UK/ 2:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos.
Both Uruguay and Paraguay have qualified for the Quarters, and as such the main job is done.
However, if the standings are the same at the end of this final group-stage fixture, the Uruguayans will be pitted against defending champions Brazil, which they definitely want to avoid.
Should Oscar Tabarez’s men record a win this Tuesday though, they could even climb to the top of the table (if Argentina lose against Bolivia), or they will be placed second at the worst. Therefore, Luis Suarez and co are definitely going after a victory.
Meanwhile, Paraguay have a shot at the top-most spot. They are already assured at least a third-place finish, and as such are in no danger of being pitted against Brazil in the next round.
They can afford to take risks and go after a victory this Tuesday, which might help them to land one of the top-two positions. By the looks of things, expect a fierce encounter at Santos between these two teams.
Uruguay have been a shell of their former self lately. They have a single win in the past eight-month period, and it had come against Bolivia – one of the worst teams in the CONMEBOL region.
Their characteristic two-man striker system led by Suarez and Edinson Cavani have failed to click so far.
Meanwhile, Paraguay have earned their current position in the table. They have been in such a good run, that their sole two losses in the past two-year period had come against Argentina and Brazil.
The team surely is capable of delivering upsets, and going on a deep run into the tournament.
First and foremost, both teams have qualified for the Quarters, and as such are done with a great deal of pressure. The only thing remaining to do is go after a win this Tuesday to ensure a better position in the table, and thus a weaker opponent in the next round.
Paraguay are on a superb run at the moment, and are consistently finding the back of the net. They also have the confidence of sitting in the second position – just one point behind toppers Argentina.
In the meantime, Tabarez’s men are desperate to avoid Brazil, and have nothing more to lose. Even if they are defeated, a fourth-place finish is assured for them. And this might actually work in their favor, as pressure is virtually non-existent for them.
Their strikers are yet to get into form, and this game also will be an opportunity for Suarez and Cavani to get into track.
Moreover, they also have a superb h2h record against this rival over the years, and have scored in plenty.
By the looks of things, expect goals to come from either side of the pitch at Santos.
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