Argentina vs Paraguay Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview

Preview

Joel Amorim Jun 29, 2015 @ 03:24 am

Next Wednesday, 1st of July 2015, the two-time World champions, Argentina, will measure forces with a so far undefeated Paraguay at Estadio Municipal de Concepcion for the second semi-finals’ match of the 44th edition of Copa America.

Last Saturday’s match between Argentina and Colombia was definitely one of the most intense of the tournament so far. La Albiceleste pulled rank and almost asphyxiated Colombia for large periods of the match but failed to overcome an utterly inspired David Ospina, who put up an almost vintage performance. After a goalless draw at full-time, the clash was only decided in the penalty shootout and the Argentineans were particularly more effective in that sometimes unfair method of deciding the winner of the match. The new Boca Juniores’ striker, Carlos Tevez, was the hero of night by scoring the decisive penalty kick that granted Argentina the possibility of playing the semi-finals against Paraguay. The former Juventus’ sharpshooter showed some nerves of steel and gave Ospina no chance in the decisive shot of the match.

Gerardo Martino has much contributed to change Argentina’s DNA ever since he took the helm of the team after the 2014 World Cup. The former Barcelona’s boss has been managing to pass his ideas unto the players and Argentina’s game looks far more intense than it was one year ago by the time of the Brazilian tournament.

Argentina have already faced Paraguay at this edition of Copa America and the match ended in frantic 2-2 draw. La Albiceleste started the match at full speed and dominated their opponents during the first 45’ minutes, although, after the break, the Argentineans slowed the pace of their game and ended up by being surprised by Paraguay’s strong comeback.

As for Paraguay, together with Peru, they are the most pleasant surprise of the tournament so far. Although the current Paraguayan team seems to be far from the one led by Jose Luis Chilavert more than a decade ago, the truth is that the boys of Ramon Diaz, keep showing an immense will of winning the matches and their overall work rate is sometimes very impressive.

In their Quarter-finals’ match, Los Guaranies shocked pundits by leaving Brazil behind but it is fair to say that, in the end, they have fully deserved their win. The match was also decided at the penalty shootout and it was the Basel versatile forward Derlis Gonzalez who granted the Paraguay a place on the semi-finals by scoring the team’s last penalty.

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