Copa America quarterfinal preview and prediction: Brazil vs. Paraguay

Is Brazil better without Neymar? Well, not exactly since he is still the most talented player on the roster. However, the suspended player accepted his ban and is no longer with the team.

Truth be told, Brazil did play with a slight bit more balance without Neymar in the side. Robinho and Philippe Coutinho came into the first 11 for the final group stage game against Venezuela , and both played well enough to retain their roles. Also, Chelsea midfielder Willian played his best game of the tournament with Neymar in the stands, and Roberto Firmino finally came good with a goal Brazil needed to win the group.

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Paraguay, however, is a much stronger side than Venezuela. One of only three unbeaten sides remaining in the tournament – along with Argentina and Chile – the Paraguayans also met Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Copa America. Workmanlike in its style of play, Paraguay knocked the Brazilians out on penalty kicks in 2011 before losing in the final.

Without Neymar, Brazil will likely have a difficult time unlocking Paraguay’s tight defense. In 2011, Paraguay beat Brazil in the penalty shootout 2-0 after all four Brazilians failed to convert. Another penalty shootout victory for Paraguay would not be a shock result on Saturday.

Prediction: Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (Paraguay advances via shootout)

Shahan Ahmed is a soccer columnist for Yahoo Sports helping covering the beautiful game globally. Follow Shahan on Twitter: @ShahanLA and @perfectpass