Bueno Aires: With no more room for error, Brazil faces Paraguay in the quarterfinals of the Copa America on Sunday hoping to keep its momentum from a convincing win against Ecuador in the first round.
Brazil finally played well after struggling in its first two group matches, and coach Mano Menezes and the players want to repeat the improved performance to keep Brazil on track to win its third straight South American title.
"We played better in the last match and that gives us more confidence," midfielder Lucas Leiva said on Saturday. "As we start winning, our confidence will keep increasing, too."
Brazil already played Paraguay in its second group match, needing a last-minute goal to avoid a defeat that could've complicated the team's chances to advance.
"It's going to be a different match now," Brazil striker Alexandre Pato said. "There is no more room for error, the team making a mistake now will go home."
Brazil scored first in last week's match, but the Paraguayans rallied to a 2-1 lead by taking advantage of mistakes by the Brazilian defense. Substitute striker Fred scored in the 89th-minute to equalize.
"The teams already know each other very well," Lucas Leiva said. "We know their weak spots and we know the characteristics of their players. We'll have to be very focused from the start."
Menezes said he was likely to field the same team that played well in the 4-2 win over Ecuador, with Maicon at right back and Robinho up front. Maicon replaced Barcelona's Daniel Alves and was key for Brazil's improvement, threatening from the start with assists and dangerous runs down the flank.
AC Milan defender Thiago Silva missed practice on Friday and Saturday because of a right thigh muscle injury but is expected to play in the match in La Plata. Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the defender "has a good chance" to play, although the final decision won't be made until match time.
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino is waiting on the recovery of star striker Roque Santa Cruz, who sustained a muscle injury in his right leg in the draw against Venezuela on Wednesday. Santa Cruz scored against Brazil to become Paraguay's all-time leading scorer with 25 goals, along with with Jose Cardozo.
It also remained doubtful whether injured midfielder Edgar Barreto could play, and his replacement would be Enrique Vera.
Brazil won Group B thanks to the win over Ecuador. It had drawn with Venezuela 0-0 and Paraguay 2-2.
"Our self-esteem got better after we advanced to the second round," Brazil left back Andre Santos said. "We have more confidence now."
Paraguay advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-place finishers in all three groups. It drew with Ecuador 0-0 in its opener, then let two victories escape in the draws against Brazil and Venezuela. The Paraguayans were up 3-1 until the 89th against the Venezuelans before allowing two goals.
"Ganso supplies the balls and sets up the plays," Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. "It's very important not to give him space."
Added midfielder Nestor Ortigoza: "You have to try not to let them have the ball, break with it, and score."
Brazil is playing the Copa America with a squad filled with young promising stars who are expected to lead Brazil by the time the 2014 World Cup arrives, including Pato, Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso.
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