Derlis Gonzalez (L) was the hero for Paraguay against Brazil. (Getty)
It was groundhog day for Paraguay, which defeated Brazil on penalties once again in the Copa America quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening in Chile. Heavy underdogs once again, Paraguay kept its composure as Everton Ribeiro and Douglas Costa each missed penalties for Brazil. Derlis Gonzalez, who converted a spot kick in the second half to level the match, scored the match-winning penalty past Brazilian goalie Jefferson.
After finishing at the bottom of South American qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, Paraguay is one win away from the final. Gonzalez, who plays for Basel in Switzerland, was the hero for Paraguay.
Brazil, which took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Robinho, looked second best for most of the second half. Missing key players Neymar, David Luiz and Marcelo among others, the Brazilians were unable to retake the lead following Gonzalez’ goal. Neither team created a chance apart from Robinho’s strike in the first half, but the game opened up in the second with Paraguay looking the more dangerous side from set pieces.
Paraguay will face Argentina in the semifinals on Tuesday, June 30.
Check out all of the stats and highlights below:
Final Score
Paraguay 0-1 — 1
Brazil 1-0 — 1
Paraguay wins 4-3 on penalties
Lineups
Paraguay: Villar, Piris, Aguilar, Valdez, da Silva, Gonzalez, Benitez, Caceres, Aranda, Santa Cruz, Haedo Valdez.
Brazil: Jefferson, Alves, Miranda, Luis, Silva, Fernandinho, Elias, Willian, Robinho, Coutinho, Firmino
Stats
Goals: Brazil: Robinho (15′); Paraguay: Derlis Gonzalez (72′)
Shots (on goal): Brazil: 6 (3), Paraguay: 11 (6)
Possession: Brazil- 59%, Paraguay 41%
Tackles: Brazil: 18, Paraguay: 19
Fouls: Brazil 14: Paraguay: 22
Yellow Cards: Brazil: Dani Alves (50′), Coutinho (76′); Paraguay: Bruno Valdez (25′), Pablo Aguilar (37′), Osvaldo Martinez (81′)
Brazil Cut Open Paraguay Defense to Take 1-0 Lead
It took 15 minutes for Brazil to grab the lead. Excellent ball movement in midfield led to a cross from Dani Alves into the path of Robhino, who calmly finished into the back of the net. The goal was his 28th in 99 caps for his country, and his first competitive goal since the 2010 World Cup. In Robinho fashion, it almost looks like a mis-hit.
Bruno Valdez Booked For Sliding Tackle In 25th Minute
In just his second cap for Paraguay, Bruno Valdez makes this cynical challenge on Felipe Luis and picks up a yellow card for his efforts.
Haedo Valdez Got Half Chance In 56th Minute
Haedo Valdez redirects a corner kick, but his header goes over the bar.
Jefferson Made Low Save From Corner Kick In 62nd Minute
Jefferson saves the day again ! Finally half scary half rocky lol
#BRAPAR 1-0 (’61) #CopaAmericaChile2015 http://t.co/r5IvcFSjql
Paraguay started to come into the game midway through the second half. Off another corner kick, Paula Da Silva gets his header on target, but Brazil veteran goalie Jefferson made the save
Derlis Gonzalez Equalized For Paraguay In 72nd Minute
After a Thiago Silva handball in the box, 21-year-old Derlis Gonzalez kept his composure and slotted home the ensuing penalty to even the match at 1-1 in the 72nd minute.
Douglas Costa Missed Penalty
With Brazil already down one penalty in the shootout, Douglas Costa hits one well over the bar to give Paraguay one foot into the semifinals.
Derlis Gonzalez Converted Winning Penalty
When teammate Roque Santa Cruz hit his penalty into orbit, it was on Gonzalez to convert the winning spot kick. He made no mistake in beating Jefferson for a second time and sending Paraguay into the semifinals.
Preview: Brazil And Paraguay Meet in Copa America Quarterfinals
Roberto Firmino recently signed for Liverpool. (Getty)
When Neymar got sent off as part of a crazy scene following Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Colombia in the group stage, most wondered how the 2007 Copa America champions were going to generate enough offense to lift the trophy again. Enter Roberto Firmino.
A relative unknown before the summer, Firmino, 23, recently signed for Liverpool FC in England and is off to a bright start with the national team, firing four goals in nine caps. Firmino scored 38 goals in 140 matches for Hoffenheim in Germany.
Underdogs Paraguay finished bottom in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, but have rebounded under new manager Ramon Diaz to reach the last eight in Chile. Brazil has yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament, giving Paraguay hope of causing an upset.
In four meetings since 2008, each side have claimed a victory with two draws. Brazil has lost just one of its last 11 Copa America matches vs. Paraguay
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Copa America Quarterfinals: Brazil vs. Paraguay Score, Stats & Highlights