Overview
After an unsuccessful debut as head coach of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti is looking to improve when Selecao returns home to welcome Paraguay.
Despite the cheers surrounding Ancelotti, Selecao have only had a total of three shots in a boring performance when they were held to a goalless draw by Ecuador.
Brazilian fans expected an immediate improvement under Ancelotti, but instead, they witnessed a performance that was completely lacking in vitality in attack.
Vinicius did his best to help the former Real Madrid coach's first match succeed. However, the Real Madrid striker did not leave many outstanding impressions. So far, the 24-year-old has only scored 6 goals in 40 appearances for Brazil.
Meanwhile, Paraguay is having a particularly impressive streak of form. They are third in the World Cup qualifiers, one and two points ahead of Brazil. Paraguay is unbeaten in 9 consecutive matches and just defeated Uruguay at home.
With the top 6 teams automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and the seventh-placed team playing in the intercontinental play-off, it seems that both Brazil and Paraguay do not want to miss the opportunity.
Brazil and Paraguay have faced each other 85 times, in which Brazil dominated. Selecao won 52 matches compared to Paraguay's 14 matches, the rest were 19 draws.
However, in the first leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Paraguay created a surprise when they beat Brazil 1-0.
Personnel situation
After Brazil only had a total of 3 shots against Ecuador, Ancelotti will be very happy when Raphinha returns from suspension. Matheus Cunha could also start after being benched in the previous match.
On the other side of the front line, Paraguay has a completely energetic squad to choose from. Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron, who has just returned to MLS after playing for Newcastle, will be a threat to Brazil.
Expected lineup:
Brazil: Alisson, Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ribeiro, Sandro, Gerson, Casemiro, B. Guimaraes, Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr.
Paraguay: R. Fernandez, Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso, D. Gomez, Cubas, Villasanti, Almiron, Enciso, Sanabria.
The match between Brazil and Paraguay takes place at 7:45 a.m. on June 11 (Vietnam time).
