Colombia has effectively reserved its ticket to the Copa America quarterfinals, and Paraguay hopes to do something very similar when they meet on Sunday in thefinal group stage game. Colombia has effectively won the group and can rest players, while Paraguay is falling off draws against Qatar and Argentina and requirements something here. A draw could be sufficient, while a win will bolt them into second spot in the group.
Colombia vs Paraguay Copa América match preview
Two wins out of two for Colombia.
On matchday one, substitutes Roger Martínez and Duván Zapata both scored late on as Colombia serenely beat Argentina 2-0 in Salvador.
Wednesday night’s down with Qatar appeared as though it may be all the more disappointing however.
It took them until the 86th minute to make the leap forward.
James Rodríguez’s luxurious outside of the boot cross selected Duván Zapata who’s header beat the goalkeeper.
Two world class players consolidating to architect one world class goal.
That was enough for Carlos Queiroz’s side to win 1-0 and they have secured top spot in Group B.
He’s probably going to turn for this one and forget a portion of his key players.
Goalkeeper David Ospina has now kept eight clean sheets in only 11 Copa América appearances; great numbers.
James Rodríguez made 7 chances against Qatar, the most for a Colombian player in a single tournament game this decade.
Both will be indispensable to any achievement Colombia have at this competition however nor are probably going to highlight in this one.
There is still a great deal on the line for one team in this one though.
Will Paraguay join their opponents in the knockout stages?
Eduardo Berizzo was furious on matchday one as his side threw away a 2-0 lead to only draw 2-2 with Qatar.
On matchday two, shockingly, they led the lead against Argentina.
Just before half time, Miguel Almirón’s exceptional run and cross selected Richard Sánchez who cooly made it 1-0.
Be that as it may, soon after half time, Iván Piris was punished for an exceptionally delicate hand-ball and Messi changed over the subsequent spot-kick.
In any case, after five minutes, Paraguay had their own after Derlis González was brought down.
González himself stepped up but saw his tame effort saved by Armani.
Paraguay held out and the game finished 1-1.
Despite being second in this group, their fate at this tournament is in the balance.
A draw should be enough but only a win will guarantee a quarter-final place.
What time does Colombia vs Paraguay kick off?
This Copa America conflict will occur on Sunday, June 23.
It will kick off at 8pm UK time – that is 4pm in Brazil.
The match will be played at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
Premier Sports will be showing live UK coverage of all the matches in the Copa America across its two channels.
The channels can be purchased to add to Virgin and Sky packages from £9.99 a month.
You can also live stream for the same cost via Premier Player.
What is the team news?
Colombia Squad
Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero
Defenders: Cristian Zapata, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, William Tesillo, Cristian Borja, Stefan Medina, Jhon Lucumi
Midfielders: Juan Cuadrado, James Rodriguez, Edwin Cardona, Wilmar Barrios, Mateus Uribe, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Cuellar
Forwards: Radamel Falcao, Luis Muriel, Roger Martinez, Duvan Zapata, Luis Diaz
Paraguay Squad
Goalkeepers: Antony Silva, Roberto Junior Fernandez, Alfredo Aguilar
Defenders: Gustavo Gomez, Ivan Piris, Bruno Valdez, Junior Alonso, Fabian Balbuena, Juan Escobar, Santiago Arzamendia, Ivan Torres
Midfielders: Oscar Romero, Richard Ortiz, Rodrigo Rojas, Miguel Almiron, Celso Ortiz, Matias Rojas
Forwards: Oscar Cardozo, Hernan Perez, Derlis Gonzalez, Federico Santander, Cecilio Dominguez, Juan Iturbe
Goals predicts:
Colombia 2-1 Paraguay