The Stats Zone
THE FACTS
When is Paraguay vs Qatar taking place? Sunday 16th June, 2019 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Paraguay vs Qatar taking place? Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
THE TEAM NEWS
PARAGUAY
Paraguay have not been given much of a chance ahead of the 2019 Copa America but will believe they have a fairly solid squad heading to Brazil and they will hope they can at least put up a challenge to make it out of the group stage.
They will have to be at their very best with a competitive Group B lying in wait with their opening game against Qatar seemingly a must win with more difficult tasks in Columbia and Argentina still to come.
It is easy to see why they have been written off due to their poor form in recent years and with just one win to their name since their World Cup qualifying campaign in 2017, a lot will rest on the shoulders of Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.
QATAR
Qatar will make a guest appearance at the 2019 Copa America but they will be attempting to be competitive rather than just appearing to make up the numbers especially after a brilliant Asian Cup.
They won every game in that competition, culminating in them lifting the trophy after the 3-1 victory over Japan in the final as they head into the Copa America in superb form but this will be a different proposition.
A 2-0 defeat to Brazil in their friendly at the start of the month highlighted the level of opposition they could face in this competition but one man who will be relishing this tournament is Almoez Ali after he scored nine goals during the Asian Cup.
THE PREDICTION
Qatar are one of the two guest teams to feature in this year’s Copa America but ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2022, they are intending on not simply turning up to make up the numbers after they won the Asian Cup at the start of the year. They face Paraguay in their first match who have struggled for any sort of form for over 18 months which could open the door for Qatar to snatch a draw from this opening contest.