Copa America - Group B - The Final Straw to Copa Quarters
By Joe, BettingExpert.com | Published
Google+: Joe Bexpert
Brazil is certainly facing elimination in their final match in group B against Ecuador, only a win might see them through to the quarterfinals and their worst enemy is themselves while Venezuela has confirmed their place in the next round with Paraguay still trying to find a way through like Brazil.
Brazil vs. Ecuador
One of the favourites for the tournament are struggling to get into the quarterfinals of the Copa America, Brazil are on a thin line at the moment and only a win will give them the chance of an automatic qualification for the next round. A goalless encounter against Venezuela in the first game and a disappointing 2-2 draw against Paraguay, putting pressure for the Brazilians in a much needed win to avoid a disastrous tournament showing. Super sub striker Fred gave hope for the Brazilians with his late equalizer against a disciplined Paraguay in the second match and changes could well be in Mano Meneze mind before taking on Ecuador, Maicon or Daviel Alves will take the defensive duties while either Robinho or Jabson could be called upon to match the offensive tactic, plus Pato and Neymar surely have to start producing or else, one way ticket back to Brazil is surely deserved for them. Midfielder Sandro has been withdrawn from the squad due to injuries.
Ecaudor is virtually out of the race of qualifying for the next round after a goalless draw against Paraguay in the first match and a 1-0 defeat to Venezuela saw them finding the foot of the Group B table with only a point. The panic button has already been sounding because their exit is imminent and for the second consecutive game, midfielder Antonio Valencia will not be playing against Brazil due to sustained injury from the opening game. Hopes have seem to dash for the Ecuadorians and a draw or win, they will go out of the tournament in a high.
This is a must win game for the Brazilian and embarrassing headlines of Brazil not forfilling their potential under Menedes will be ringing around the world. This is not the best build up for the 2014 World cup host but of course, not a totally compeletely failure if they don’t win this tournament but surely not the best way to end the tournament in the group stages, at least quarterfinals could be tolerable. Can’t see why the Brazilians will falter here against one of the weakest teams in the tournament.
Venezuela vs. Paraguay
No one would have dreamt of Venezuela taking the top spot after getting a 0-0 with Brazil in the first game and continued it with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, registering the only win of the group B. Another win will put Venezuela into the next round for sure and even with a draw here, either win, lose or draw their names will be in the quarterfinals. Cesar Eduardo Gonzalez was on song for Venezuela against Ecuador and there might be some sparing on the night but they know they will want to avoid teams like Argentina in the next round so a draw would be a perfect result for them, so effort might not be spill after all for the Venezuelans.
Paraguay aren’t in a bad position either, they have two points, leveled with Brazil and an identical goal scoring. They were able to hold off Brazil with a 2-2 draw but in fairness, the Paraguayan actually dropped two points as their concentration level dropped as the closing stages of the game. They know finishing second is the only way to get into the next round and a draw might not be enough for them as Brazil will be gunning against a weak Ecuadoran team. The only way is to score and Roque Santa Cruz opened his Copa America account against Brazil with Haedo Valdez scoring the second. If they want to go further in this tournament then they can’t afford to make the same mistake twice by losing a goal in the dying seconds of the game. They have being warned.
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