Brazil battles Paraguay for World Cup lead
Brazil and Argentina have long wrestled for supremacy in South American soccer. But now there's a new kid on the block: Paraguay.
Brazil faces surprising Paraguay on Wednesday, seeking to wrest first place in the South American World Cup qualifying from its neighbor.
Brazil and Argentina, with seven Cup titles between them, are tied for second place with eight points. Paraguay, which has never won the World Cup, leads the 10-nation group with nine.
Brazil has its heavy artillery and hopes to recover its flagging momentum. After opening wins over Colombia and Ecuador, the Brazilians struggled to tie with Peru and Uruguay.
Ronaldo and Ronaldinho head a lineup heavy with World Cup champions. While Rivaldo hasn't played and was left off the squad, rising star Kaka of Milan will likely take his place.
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira complains there's no time to test a new formation. Most of Brazil's stars play in Europe and will practice just once before the game.
"We won't have time except at the World Cup. That's why we have to maintain the basic structure," Parreira said.
Paraguay rebounded from an opening loss to Peru and has won three straight over Uruguay, Ecuador and Chile.
Brazilians have scores to settle, too. Paraguay beat Brazil in a game commemorating the '02 Cup title and again in the qualifiers for a spot at the Olympic Games in Greece.
"Everyone talks about Ronaldo and others, but Brazil better watch out," Paraguayan striker Jose Cardozo warned. "We know to perfection how they play."
whats going on guys ?
