For 23 long years, Brazil had struggled to overcome Paraguay in the Copa América, their last regulation-time victory dating back to 2001. The years in between were marked by frustration—four draws and a solitary loss, with three of those draws in knockout stages ending in penalty shootouts. Paraguay had twice triumphed in those dramatic moments, leaving Brazil with just one shootout success. But under the neon lights of Las Vegas, the Seleção finally shattered that hex with a resounding 4-1 victory, blending resilience, tactical conviction, and a sprinkling of individual brilliance.
From Pressure to Conviction
Coming off a frustrating stalemate against Costa Rica, Brazil faced heightened expectations against a Paraguayan side infamous for their deep defensive blocks and opportunistic counters. Paraguay, true to their nature, posed a significant early challenge, even unsettling Alisson Becker with a few long-range efforts. Yet, their resistance proved ephemeral—a mirage amidst Brazil’s growing dominance.
The key difference for Brazil this time lay in their approach. Dorival Junior’s side discarded the ponderous build-up that had plagued them in their previous match, replacing hesitation with precision and intent. The Seleção sliced through Paraguay’s defensive lines with quicker decisions, clinical passing, and ruthless finishing.
Vinicius Jr: The Spark That Ignited Brazil
The breakthrough came through the dynamic Vinicius Jr, whose instincts and quick reactions turned Lucas Paquetá’s missed penalty into an opening goal. This moment epitomized Brazil’s hunger and conviction—turning potential setbacks into opportunities. Moments later, Savinho doubled the lead, and Vinicius added a third, showcasing his flair and poise in front of goal.
Paraguay momentarily rekindled hope after the break, with Alderete capitalizing on a rebound to reduce the deficit. Yet, any notion of a comeback was swiftly quashed. Paquetá, unyielding despite his earlier miss, took charge from the spot again, this time converting with confidence. From that moment, the game tilted decisively in Brazil’s favour, especially after Andrés Cubas was shown red for a clumsy challenge on Douglas Luiz.
The Tactical Backbone
Brazil’s midfield was a masterclass in balance and creativity. Paquetá redeemed himself with a performance that transcended his penalty saga, dictating the tempo and linking up effortlessly with the forward line. His vision complemented the presence of Rodrygo Goes, who thrived in the central attacking role, connecting fluidly with Vinicius. Savinho, stationed on the right, provided width and combined effectively with overlapping wingbacks, further stretching Paraguay’s defense.
João Gomes continues to evolve into an indispensable holding midfielder, his positioning and interceptions shielding the backline and enabling Bruno Guimarães to flourish in a more advanced role. This midfield duo offered the perfect blend of defensive stability and offensive fluidity.
The Road Ahead
This victory is more than just a triumph over an old nemesis; it is a statement of intent. Brazil showcased their depth, adaptability, and ability to rise under pressure. Vinicius Jr, with his dazzling runs and sharp finishing, symbolized Brazil’s offensive resurgence, while Paquetá’s resilience embodied the team’s mental fortitude.
For Dorival Junior, the challenge now is to sustain this momentum. The Seleção have reminded the world of their pedigree, but greater tests lie ahead. If they continue to blend conviction with creativity, as they did in Las Vegas, Brazil might just be writing the opening chapters of a glorious Copa América campaign.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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