Hopefully you were on board again after two winners from two
recommendations on last night’s games which gives us 4 from the last 4 on the
tournament, making amends for the disappointing show from England Rules and the
bizarre run out of Giant Step at Killarney.
Things are getting far more difficult as far as separating
the teams is concerned and Paraguay v Venezuela is another case of that.
One of many South American teams to enjoy a field day at the
South African World Cup, Paraguay were beaten only by eventual winners Spain in
the Quarter – finals and while their results since have only been par for the
course they’ve shown rapid improvement for competitive football.
Paraguay drew were poor in their opening draw with Ecuador
but miles better when they drew with Brazil in the previous game, but were
minutes away from a superb come-from-behind victory. Surprisingly for such
heavy favourites, they are not actually through as they need a point to
qualify, although they are unlucky not to have beaten the admittedly misfiring
Samba Stars Brazil.
We know that they also have plenty of firepower to use.
Paraguay can count on one of the in-form strikers in Europe this season, with
Borussia Dortmund’s Lucas Barrios joined by both Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson
Valdez, Los Guaranies hitherto mis-firing strikers, both of whom scored goals
in the draw with Brazil. Not only do they have that, but Paraguay have kept
clean sheets in eight of their last 11 matches, which bodes well for the favourites.
Venezuela have been the surprise package of Group C and
their great work ethic and solid defence has left Cesar Farias’s men guaranteed
of advancing with a game left to play. It would be stupid to assume that they
will not try for a result here however, as with the tournament more open than
ever a “so called – easy” passage to the final stages and this is backed by the
coach’s calling upon the same side that have performed over the first two
games.
If “La Vinotinto” win, they qualify as group winners. If
they do not, a draw will suffice, so long as the game between Brazil and
Ecuador ends in a draw, or if Brazil win by one goal and Venezuela score at
least two.
While Venezuela may be a tough proposition to break down so
will Paraguay and if both teams go for it, the advantage is probably with the
latter. If things take time then the Draw/Paraguay double result could pay off
again.
The second match holds all the attention with Brazil, who
have been making heavy weather of the Group stages with draws against Venezula (never
made any real inroads and blamed pitch afterwards for blunting their style) and
then Paraguay (scored first went 2-1 down), where they saved themselves with a
last minute equalizer. Neither result will be seen as good enough although at
least they have found their scoring boots quickly and they should be far too
good for Ecuador, who are weaker than both sides that Brazil have faced
previously and they should come through with flying colours.
Brazil, who have one of the strongest sides in the world to
call on, will be using all of the resources available, with Mano Menezes looks
set to call on his strongest side for the important clash. After his good display
and wonder goal against Paraguay Jadson could once again start against Ecuador.
Despite the fact that the only way Ecuador can stay alive in
the competition is to win, Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia will not
be risked at all having picked up an ankle injury in the first match against
Paraguay.
The above won’t make much difference as Brazil should still
win and win well but it’s actually a rather different market that we visit
again as Paddy Power offer 10/11 on the first goal being after the 23rd
minute which has an credible success rate at this tournament. It may have
failed for Argentina ‘s game but Brazil might take some time to find their feet
and while they should come through in the end, I’m happier to back this than Brazil
being infront before 45 minutes (and
winning) which is the same price.
Advice
1 pt Draw/Paraguay (3/1 Bet365)
1 pt First goal after 23 minutes in Brazil v Venezuela
(10/11 Paddy Power)
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