Brazil will be without Barcelona star Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain defender David Luiz today when they face a tricky 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying trip to Paraguay with renewed uncertainty swirling around their campaign.
Brazil are licking their wounds after the disappointment of Friday last week’s 2-2 draw with Uruguay, when they squandered a two-goal lead and finished the game clinging on for a point.
For the opening half an hour in Recife, Brazil were irresistible, attacking with precision and purpose in what looked like being their best performance since their 2014 World Cup semi-final debacle against Germany, but Uruguay’s fightback, begun with Edinson Cavani’s superb volley and completed by Luis Suarez’s predatory strike after halftime, has reawakened all of the old concerns about Brazil’s brittle defense, humiliated in the 7-1 thrashing by Germany two years ago. The frustration of allowing Uruguay back into the game eventually got the better of Neymar, who was cautioned for a petulant kick on Alvaro Gonzalez, meaning he is suspended for today’s trip to Asuncion.
Photo: AFP
Former Chelsea centerback Luiz also earned a booking that sees him miss the game against Paraguay, who are level on eight points with third-placed Brazil after five matches.
Brazil coach Dunga has called up Santos’ exciting teenage striker Gabriel Barbosa, a star of the Olympic team, to replace Neymar, while Corinthians defender Felipe will come in for Luiz.
Gabriel, 19, known widely as “Gabigol” and regarded as the heir apparent to Neymar, will be making his first senior appearance for Brazil after starring for the Under-23s last year when he scored six goals in four matches.
“I will be realizing a dream that I did not expect so soon,” Gabriel said. “I’m happy for the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Paraguay will be looking for all three points against opponents whom they have caused repeated problems. Paraguay knocked Brazil out of the Copa America quarter-finals in 2015 and 2011, and will be quietly confident of another win today.
Paraguay were deprived of what would have been a deserved victory against Ecuador on Thursday last week when a dubious late equalizer saw the surprise qualifying leaders snatch a 2-2 draw.
Coach Ramon Diaz believes the performance against Ecuador augurs well for the clash with Brazil.
“We showed that we’re a competitive team, who can fight against anyone,” Diaz said. “I hope that the team will continue to grow.”
In today’s other matches, Argentina face Boliva in Cordoba aiming to continue their recovery with a third consecutive victory following away wins over Colombia and Chile.
Argentina are fifth in the standings with eight points from their opening five matches, but will be strong favorites to notch another win against Bolivia, who are second-from-bottom with three points from five games.
Elsewhere, Ecuador face a demanding trip to face Colombia in Barranquilla, while Uruguay host Peru in Montevideo.
Chile will aim to bounce back from the disappointment their home defeat by Argentina last week when they travel to bottom side Venezuela, who have only one point from five matches.
The top four teams from the South America league qualify automatically for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The fifth-placed team faces a playoff against a qualifier from the Oceania zone.
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