Brazil defeated Paraguay in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Copa America.

Paraguay quickly showed they were not an easy opponent, despite only reaching the quarter-finals as the third-best-performing team in the group stage. Coach Eduardo Berizzo's side continued to play disciplined football. Their solid style of play made things difficult for the home team's stars, similar to what happened with Lionel Messi and his teammates.

The first half was fairly balanced. Brazil controlled possession more but didn't create many chances. They had five shots, but all were long-range attempts lacking power and didn't trouble goalkeeper Fernandez. Paraguay had the best opportunity with a close-range volley from Derlis Gonzalez, but Alisson made an excellent save to deny Brazil.

Brazil's dominance only became apparent in the second half after Paraguay's central defender Fabian Balbuena received a red card for fouling Roberto Firmino. Initially, the referee awarded Brazil a penalty and did not penalize Balbuena. However, after reviewing the video using VAR technology, he determined the foul occurred outside the penalty area and sent off the Paraguayan defender.

The Brazilian forwards had a disappointing game. Photo: AFP

Dani Alves's subsequent free kick, which went wide of the post, initiated a series of attacks from the home team. Arthur's powerful shot went straight to Fernandez. A few minutes later, Gabriel Jesus had a golden opportunity in a scramble in front of the goal, but his volley went wide, much to the disappointment of the Brazilian fans.

After Jesus, it was Firmino's turn to miss. This time, goalkeeper Fernandez made a superb diving save to block the Brazilian striker's diagonal header. Towards the end of the match, Brazil made relentless efforts. They maintained pressure and launched a series of shots from various positions. At this point, coach Tite substituted some defenders to strengthen the attack.

Willian controlled the ball and took a skillful shot with his left foot, but the shot hit the post and went out. Despite numerous attacks, Brazil failed to score and nearly paid the price for Paraguay's calculated, counter-attacking style. Gonzalez dribbled the ball and passed it across to substitute Escobar in a counter-attack, but a Brazilian defender managed to cover in time.

Paraguay's disciplined style of play exposed Brazil's weaknesses. Photo: AFP.

In the seven minutes of added time, both Everton and Philippe Coutinho tested the Paraguayan defense. However, Brazil's shots were all blocked by the visitors' desperate saves. It's fair to say that Brazil's attack had a disappointing game, with top European strikers finishing poorly and Coutinho being lackluster. Unable to overcome their opponent's solid defense, Brazil accepted the risk of a penalty shootout.

Alisson demonstrated his class as a top goalkeeper by saving Gomez's first penalty. This significantly boosted the morale of the Brazilian players. Willian, Marquinhos, and Coutinho all successfully converted their penalties. But Paraguay didn't make any further mistakes. Almiron, Valdes, and Rojas all had dangerous shots. In the fourth penalty, Firmino succumbed to the pressure and missed, but fortunately for Brazil, Gonzalez also missed his shot afterward. Jesus's successful penalty in the final round secured the host nation's qualification.