Argentina vs Paraguay

[miri-01]

Argentina vs Paraguay


Last Updated: June 30 2015, 9:30 BST
Team news and our verdict for the Copa America semi-final between Argentina and Paraguay.

Sky Bet
Argentina v Paraguay. Click here to bet.
Lionel Messi: Key player for Argentina
Lionel Messi: Key player for Argentina
Related ContentFree £50 matched betBet now on footballThe latest football newsLike us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter£5 free bet every week with the Sky Bet ClubWatch top live sports events with Sky Tickets
Argentina face Paraguay in the semi-finals of the Copa America ready to play with "heart", according to striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Both sides arrive in the last four after coming through a penalty shootout. Argentina defeated Colombia from the spot after a goalless tie while Paraguay eliminated Brazil after being deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Carlos Tevez scored the winning spot-kick for Argentina as they took a 5-4 win after Colombia's Jeison Murillo missed, while Paraguay repeated their 2011 Copa America penalty shootout victory over Brazil to reach the semi-finals.

Argentina boss Gerardo Martino has his full squad at his disposal for the match, but Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano will have to take care, as will Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, as all three have a yellow card to their name.

La Albiceleste striker Lavezzi is ready to give the game his all, saying on Twitter: "We are focused in the semi-final. It is a game that has to be played with the heart, with the soul."

New Sky Bet customers: Free matched bet up to £50!
As for Paraguay, coach Ramon Diaz will be without injured midfielder Nestor Ortigoza and will have to wait on the recovery of defender Miguel Samudio.

Paraguay striker Nelson Haedo Valdez knows Argentina are favourites for the match, but is revelling in his side's underdog status.

He told a press conference: "They are favourites. Not only ahead of this match, but to win the tournament.

"However, we came here to battle every rival, as we usually do. We have to give our best, with effort, with passion. We want to achieve more."

Verdict: Argentina 1 Paraguay 0
Argentina are favourites to reach the final but don't expect this to be an easy task. Paraguay are a solid outfit and we think Argentina will progress with a very narrow win.