Paraguay pulled off the upset: defeated Brazil

• It was their second victory in the tournament.
• Four teams in Group B are tied with 6 points, with one match left.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the CONMEBOL Copa América Fútbol Playa 2025™ took place on February 26 in the second match of the day: Paraguay defeated Brazil 5-3, taking down the tournament’s main title contender.

The six-time world champion in this discipline took the lead in the first period with a goal from Rodrigo.

The game changed with Bobô’s red card: from that foul, Carballo scored the equalizer, and Paraguay gained momentum, dominating the continental giant. Martínez and Medina put Molas’ team ahead, going into halftime with a 3-1 lead.

At the start of the third period, Valentín Benítez made it 4-1, and the match seemed settled. But immediately, Mauricinho pulled one back. Rodrigo, with a quick turn, brought Brazil even closer, but that didn’t last long. With a powerful strike, Pedro Morán restored Paraguay’s two-goal advantage.

Paraguay managed to hold on and left Group B wide open: Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela all have 6 points. On the final matchday, Brazil will face Argentina, while Paraguay will take on Peru (0 points). Everything is still up in the air to determine who will advance to the semifinals.

Lineups

Paraguay (5): 12-Yoao Rolón, 3-Thiago Barrios, 8-Carlos Carballo (Captain), 9-Néstor Medina, 11-Mathías Martínez.

Substitutes: 1-Carlos Ovelar, 2-Sixto Cantero, 4-Jhovanny Benítez, 5-Amado Rolón, 6-Pedro Morán, 7-Milciades Medina, 10-Valentín Benítez.

Coach: Joaquín Molas.

Brazil (3): 12-Bobô, 4-Neto, 5-Benjamin Jr., 7-Edson Hulk, 10-Datinha (Captain).

Substitutes: 1-Giovane, 2-Alisson, 3-Antônio, 6-Brendo, 8-Thanger, 9-Rodrigo, 11-Mauricinho.

Coach: Marco Octavio de Cerqueira.

Goals:

1st period: 10’ Rodrigo (B). Partial score: Paraguay 0-1 Brazil.

2nd period: 2’ Carlos Carballo (P), 5’ Mathías Martínez (P), 8’ Néstor Medina (P). Partial score: Paraguay 3-1 Brazil.

3rd period: 1’ Valentín Benítez (P), 2’ Mauricinho (B), 7’ Rodrigo (B), 8’ Pedro Morán (P). Final score: Paraguay 5-3 Brazil.

Cards:

2nd period: 2’ Red card for Bobô (B).

Main referee: Brando Amay (Ecuador).