Brazil managed to qualify for the knockout phase of the Copa America 2015 by picking up the necessary result without their talisman Neymar. If the South American giants are to go all the way and win the title, they will have to do it again, and again, starting with the quarterfinal against dangerous Paraguay on Saturday.
Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America after the Barcelona superstar was handed a four-match ban for his indiscretions following the pool match against Colombia, a side he clearly does not fancy playing.
Brazil caved in miserably the last time they had to play a knockout match without Neymar, and that Germany demolition will still be in the back of their minds going into this game against Paraguay.
As solid as Paraguay might be, however, they certainly don't have the quality of Germany to cut teams apart, and the key for Brazil, who were knocked out by the same opponent in the Copa America four years ago, will be to hold their nerve and get on the front foot in the early part of the game.
"Paraguay are a tough and competitive opponent," Willian said of facing their opponents in the quarterfinals. "They fight all the time, for 90 minutes, and we know what it's like to play against that kind of side.
"During the last Copa America, we were eliminated by them. I hope it will be different this time.
"It is always difficult to say who is going to get through. Today, football is very even. It is not easy to say: 'that team is favourite', like it used to be. The other national squads have improved a lot. There is always a surprise."
This Copa America has been more about stodgy defending and dodgy finishing than goals, and maybe Brazil can set the continental tournament alight with an attacking show that everyone expects of them.
Dunga, however, is not your only-think-about-attacking coach, and with Paraguay also really well organised, expect another cagey match, which will probably be decided by the odd goal.
The team that take their chances better will be the ones preparing themselves to face Argentina in the Copa America 2015 semifinals.
"I hope Brazil go on," the Chelsea midfielder added. "We have to play our own game, the way that the Selecao likes to play, with joy and responsibility. If we manage that we will be close to knocking out this tough opponent."
Where to Watch Live
Brazil vs Paraguay Copa America 2015 quarterfinal match is scheduled for a 3 am IST (10.30 pm BST, 5.30 pm ET) start with live coverage in India on Sony Kix. The quarterfinal can also be watched via live streaming online on Livsports.in.
Watch the action live in the UK on Premier Sports or via a live stream on Premier Player, while US viewers can catch the game live on Bein Sports. The match can also be live streamed on Bein Sports Connect TV.
Bein Sports will also show Brazil vs Paraguay live in Australia, Middle East and North Africa.
