Paraguay vs Brazil Prediction and Betting Tips: Best Bets for Group D clash

Brazil face Paraguay in Las Vegas in their second Copa America contest knowing they can't afford to leave anything to chance after a disappointing stalemate against Costa Rica.

Selecao will conclude their Group D journey against in-form Colombia and any mishap in Sin City now would potentially open the door to a second Copa America group stage exit in four editions – an unthinkable outcome for the nine-time winners.

Paraguay lost 2-1 to Colombia in Texas in their opener and now must be wary of a Brazilian backlash when they meet at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada at 02:00 BST on Saturday June 29th.

Brazil somehow contrived not to score in their opening game against Costa Rica despite enjoying 70 per-cent of the possession and having 19 attempts at goal in a game where the opposition posed little to no threat.

That profligacy leaves them heading for Las Vegas needing to ensure their number comes up this time around otherwise they could be in danger of crashing out at the group stage for the second time since 2016.

They will know that breaking the deadlock here holds the key as Paraguay have lost 18 straight games after conceding first. Dorival Junior's team has a point to prove in Nevada and should come up trumps this time.

That opening day stalemate leaves Selecao under the cosh coming into this game. They should be very eager to make their point and Paraguay, ranked 58th in the world by FIFA, should provide ideal opponents.

Brazil have an array of attacking talent that would be the envy of most teams in this tournament. Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Raphinha couldn't make it tell against Costa Rica, but that outcome is unlikely to repeat itself now.

The Paraguayans will attempt to frustrate, likely setting up a low block and conceding lots of the ball – they had just 38 per-cent possession against Colombia.

Paraguay's goal against Colombia was just their second in six games. They may struggle to get on the scoresheet here and Brazil should win this with some daylight between the teams.

Vinicius Junior arrived into the Copa America off a personal-best season at Real Madrid. He helped Los Blancos to La Liga and Champions League success and did so whilst scoring 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for his club.

Disparagingly, he's now 0-9 in a Brazil shirt since netting in a June 2023 friendly win over Guinea, a poor return for a player of his quality.

The 23-year-old is, however, maturing and becoming the global star many had forecast. He's in the Ballon d'Or conversation and, if he wants to achieve such personal accolades, Vinicius has to start adding to his three goals for Brazil.

Grabbing the opener here would be a good start and he can help propel Selecao into this Copa America after a stuttering beginning.