Argentina vs Paraguay: Copa America 2015, Schedule, Predictions, Rosters, Stream & Preview
Do opposites attract?
Well, they do at Copa America in 2015. Argentina and Paraguay will square off in the semifinals where the winner will advance to championship. Argentina has won 14 Copa America titles while Paraguay has won just two.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Without further ado, let's break down these teams and pick a winner.
Argentina (3)
Argentina entered this tournament as the favorites, and they've yet to lose a single game. They weren't very impressive in group play with close games against Jamaica, Paraguay and Uruguay, but they still won Group B. This is interesting because Argentina and Paraguay were paired in Group B together. Argentina jumped out to a 2-0 lead in that game after a Lionel Messi goal, but Paraguay rebounded to finish that match, 2-2.
Argentina is the No. 3 ranked national team in the world, and the top ranked squad in CONMEBOL. As previously stated. Argentina has 14 Copa America championships, that's the second most of all-time to only Uruguay's 15. The last time Argentina won this event was 1993 over Mexico.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero will get the start in net again. Messi, Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez lead a terrific offense. Javier Mascherano will be commanding the middle field, but Argentina does not have a very strong defense. Argentina's head coach Gerardo Martino has been criticized for his defensive schemes.
After winning Group B, Argentina narrowly defeated Colombia in a thrilling quarterfinals game. Neither squad scored after regulation or extra time, so they went to a shootout. Tevez scored the game-winner as Argentina won on penalties, 5-4.
Paraguay (85)
Who would have thought Paraguay would reach the semifinals over Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador? The 85th ranked team in the world is trying to win the biggest event in South American soccer history, and they are just two wins away from doing just that.
Just like Argentina, Paraguay has not lost a single game in this tournament. They tied with Argentina, beat Jamaica and tied Uruguay in group play. In the quarterfinals Paraguay beat and eliminated Brazil for the second consecutive Copa America after 21-year-old Derlis González scored the game-winning goal in penalties.
Justo Villar will be starting in net for Paraguay. Paulo da Silva leads an average defense with team captain Roque Santa Cruz directing the offense. Paraguay does not have a powerhouse defense or an elite offense, but they do an excellent job at adjusting to other teams style of play.
If Paraguay can pull off the upset over Argentina, they will advance to the finals for the second consecutive Copa America. In 2011 Paraguay lost to Uruguay in the finals at Argentina. The last time Paraguay won it all was 1979 against Chile, who is this year's host. Crazy, isn't it?
Schedule, Where to Watch
Argentina and Paraguay will play each other on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. EST. That's 8:30 p.m. Chile time. The game will be played at the Estadio Municipal de Concepción arean in Concepción, Chile. You can watch a live game stream here.
Prediction
These two teams tied each other 2-2 about two weeks ago. Argentina will get revenge this time and advance to the finals where Messi will look to win his first ever Copa America. Paraguay will put up a great fight in a one goal loss.
Argentina wins 3-2
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