Peru v Paraguay: Diaz’s slow-starters set to come from behind
Published:
The third-placed play-off seems like a bit of a damp squib at the best of times, but while this match doesn’t have the draw of a Brazil or a Uruguay, it should be a cracking contest.
Paraguay were the conquerors of La Selecao in the quarter-finals, coming back from a goal down to eventually triumph on penalties.
Runners-up in 2011, Ramon Diaz’s men were then taken apart by a rampant Argentina side in the semis, highlighting the potential for leaks in the Los Guaranies back-line.
With respect, Peru will not put up the same kind of task that La Albiceleste did, but they could still be made to work hard.
Los Incas only succumbed to their second defeat of the tournament (the first at the hands of Brazil), when Eduardo Vargas fired in a rocket against a Peru side that had been down to 10 men since the 20th minute.
While they went down fighting, it is hard to see what kind impact such a sole destroying demolition job will have had on Paraguay.
And with that in mind, and the stats to back it up, it could pay to see the 15/8 underdogs have to come from behind to get anything from this tie.
In the goalscorer markets it could pay to side with Paolo Guerrero. The 31-year-old bagged a hat-trick in Peru’s 3-1 victory over Bolivia in the quarter finals, and has a knack of finding the net against Saturday’s opponents.
With more details, here is The Professor…
DID YOU KNOW?
Paraguay have been losing at half-time in five of their last seven matches
They have only won four of their last 17 fixtures in major tournaments
Both teams have scored in seven of Peru’s last nine competitive matches
Paolo Guerrero has scored four goals in his last four matches against Paraguay
Paraguay have come from behind to draw in three of their last six fixtures
Best bets:
HT/FT – Peru/Draw @ 14/1
Paolo Guererro to score anytime @ 13/10
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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