The Stats Zone
June 21 2019, 14:30 · Trystan Pugh

2019 Copa America – Colombia vs Paraguay Preview & Prediction

Post Share

THE FACTS

When is Colombia vs Paraguay taking place? Sunday 23rd June, 2019 – 20:00 (UK)

Where is Colombia vs Paraguay taking place? Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

What television channel is Colombia vs Paraguay on in the UK? This match will be televised live on Premier Sports

Where can I stream Colombia vs Paraguay in the UK? Premier Sport subscribers can stream the match via Premier Player

For viewers in the United States, the game will be shown live and you can watch it by subscribing to ESPN+ here!

Where can I get tickets for Colombia vs Paraguay? https://ingressos.copaamerica.com/#!/home

THE TEAM NEWS

COLOMBIA

  • Colombia have already confirmed their place in the quarter-finals as the winners of Group B following wins over Argentina and Qatar in their first two matches of the tournament.
  • They backed up their opening match victory against Argentina by defeating Qatar 1-0 courtesy of Duvan Zapata’s second goal in two games. Zapata headed in the winning goal in the 86th minute from a cross by man-of-the-match James Rodriguez.
  • Having already qualified for the knockout phase, it is possible that they may opt to make some changes for this match to keep key players fresh and give squad players some minutes on the pitch.

PARAGUAY

  • Paraguay are second in the group and are unbeaten after two matches with two draws but there will be a sense of frustration at having let the lead slip against both Qatar and Argentina.
  • They had led 1-0 against Argentina with a goal from Richard Sanchez following great work from danger man Miguel Almiron who provided his second assist of the tournament. Argentina got back on level terms in the 57th minute through a Lionel Messi penalty after a handball which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review. Further frustration was to come for Paraguay as they missed from the penalty spot minutes later.
  • Paraguay realistically need to win this match to confirm a place in the quarter-finals. With Argentina a point behind but facing a winnable match against Qatar, a draw may only be enough to take third place which would then mean keeping their fingers crossed that they are one of the best third-placed teams.

THE PREDICTION

With Colombia having already qualified for the quarter-finals and Paraguay needing to win to be sure of a place in the last eight, the motivation for both teams is very different. It can be said that Colombia’s already-confirmed passage to the knockout phase will be beneficial for Paraguay as they can rest players and have no need to push hard for a victory. A lot depends on the team selection and approach of Colombia and if they do weaken their team, Paraguay are capable of taking advantage and winning this game.