Peru vs. Paraguay Copa America 2015: Predictions, Schedule, Rosters, Stream, Preview
Peru and Paraguay will contest the third place spot in the Copa America after enduring painful losses in the semifinal.
For Peru the loss came as a result of some poor fortunes and ill-timed cards. Carlos Zambrano's red card inside the opening half hour of the game ensured that the hosts retained control of a game that started at a frenetic pace that favored Peru. Jefferson Farfan hit the post early on, and the way the game had been going until Zambrano's card, a goal for Peru looked like an eventuality.
Even then the team was afforded a 1-1 draw thanks to its hard work but eventually fell due to its lack of man-power and inevitable fatigue.
On the other side of the spectrum, Paraguay came out with equal confidence against Argentina but faced two early injuries that wound up forcing early substitutions and a crash in any momentum gained.
Like Peru, Paraguay eventually got some hope thanks to a Lucas Barrios goal late in the first half. However, it was not to last, and Argentina wound up destroying its rivals 6-1.
Now these sides will compete in a third-place game that really has minimal bearings on either side.
Who wins?
Both teams attack with pace and deliberation, though Peru has been the superior defensive side in this tournament, allowing just five goals in five games thus far. That includes games against Brazil, Colombia and Chile.
Paraguay overcame Argentina and Brazil but has conceded goals in all but one game thus far; that match was a 1-0 win over Jamaica.
Those stat lines seemingly favor Peru, a side that has looked revitalized and poised in every single game. Even when the team lost a man early against Chile, the team looked organized at the back, only breaking on a potentially offside goal from Chile.
Prediction? Peru wins 2-0.
Start Time: 7:30 PM on July 3.
The game can be watched on beIN Sport USA and can be streamed on the channel's online service.
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