Copa America: Can Peru Replicate Their 2019 Run?

Peru vs Paraguay

Only eight countries are left to vie for the prestigious Copa America trophy here in the 2021 quarterfinals.

One of the awaited matchups on the menu is between Peru and Paraguay which will take place in Goiania, Brazil and this is sure to give SBOTOP fans a huge treat.

Peru finished second in Group B after their last victory over Venezuela while Paraguay are at third in Group A after losing to Uruguay in the last time out when Edinson Cavani scored the marginal goal of the match.

The winner of this tie is scheduled to take on the winner between Brazil and Chile in what will also be an entertaining affair.

Team managers Ricardo Gareca and Eduardo Berizzo have done a solid job in steering their respective squads into the right direction and both are looking to turn their dreams into reality.

Talking Points

Peru to rely on their veteran combo

Los Incas shocked everyone when they went to as far as the Finals of the 2019 Copa America and they are planning to go all the way this time even though the odds are not in their favour.

Ricardo Gareca has done superb in guiding his team to another quarterfinals appearance as they’ve confirmed their berth when they beat Venezuela in a do-or-die game last weekend.

Venezuela and Peru exchanged shot after shot but neither team couldn’t find the back of the net, up until Andre Carrillo provided us one of the best Copa America 2021 highlights.

Three minutes into the second half, the Al Hilal forward fired the ball into the net from close range and that was enough to grab the vital victory.

After their brutal opener against Brazil, Los Incas are now undefeated in three straight games and their offence has fueled their run in this tournament.

Andre Carrillo is expected to lead Peru in their Copa America match against Paraguay — Andre Carrillo celebrates with his teammates after scoring Peru’s second goal against Venezuela

Andre Carrillo is not only Peru’s top leading scorer but he is also the second highest goalscorer behind Lionel Messi (3) in this competition as of this writing. The 30-year-old has been their talisman given that he has scored 11 international goals in his last 10 caps since the start of 2020.

Opposing defences will have a tough time with his pace and dribbling skills and he’ll link up with Gianluca Lapadula to keep Peru on the front foot.

Lapadula, meanwhile, has one goal so far this tournament and he’ll be eager to add on to his account when they face Paraguay.

Paraguay suffer a big blow

La Albirroja are hopeful that Miguel Almiron will be 100-per cent fit soon since he plays a big role to their fortunes.

The Newcastle United midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in their loss to Uruguay as he limped back to the dressing room.

Judging the way he looked when was subbed out, Almiron was visibly upset which is a bad sign since Paraguay fear that his injury might be severe than what was initially thought.

With him unlikely to return, Eduardo Berizzo needs to make changes in his starting XI.

Angel Romero must be aggressive in hunting goals while Alejandro Romero might return as a starter to possibly fill in the void left by Miguel Almiron.

Braian Samudio should keep his place on the wing whlle Gabriel Avalos is going to be their secondary striker.

History

Prior to this Friday, Peru and Paraguay have clashed in 19 competitive matches.

La Albirroja get the slight advantage with nine wins, while Los Incas have won six along with four draws.

Peru have been the better team against Paraguay in recent fixtures since they’ve won five of their last six meetings.

Their most recent encounter was a 2-2 draw during the World Cup qualifiers in October last year as Angel Romero and Andre Carrillo exchanged braces late in the second half.

Peru and Paraguay each have two Copa Americas under their belts. Peru have won it in 1939 and 1975 while Paraguay won it in 1953 and 1979.

Betting Tip

	Peru vs Paraguay	Peru Asian Handicap -0.00 @ 2.14
	July 03, 5:00 (GMT+8)

The Copa America 2021 odds are pointing to a close affair between these two sides this Friday evening.

Paraguay are slightly favoured to win in this match at 2.50, while Peru are pegged at 2.99 and a draw is at 2.89 in the 1X2 market.

Peru and Paraguay are capable of winning given their collective quality in the attacking third. However, the only thing that will separate these two is whether who has the more durable squad.

As of the moment, Peru look like the healthier team and that may just be enough to advance to the Copa America semis.