Paraguay manager Ramon Diaz claims that he will not be talking with his opposition manager Dunga even though he has a great friendship with the Brazil national team coach.
The duo played together during their time in Italian football. Hence, this friendship goes back several years, but it will be put aside when Paraguay and Brazil come against each other in the Copa America quarter-finals. Paraguay are surprise entrants at this stage of the competition, but they are not expected to last much longer. Brazil are overwhelming favourites to win their first Copa America since 2007.
A confidence inspiring aspect for Paraguayan team will be their draws against Argentina and Uruguay – two teams that were considered as one of the favourites to win the title itself. After having managed to a 1-1 draw against Argentina in the opening game, Paraguay went on to secure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Their only victory so far the tournament was a narrow 1-0 over minnows Jamaica. They reached the knockout stages at the expense of Uruguay. After Argentina seal a win over the Uruguayans on penalties, Diaz will be taking his team out onto the pitch knowing that his team can set up a semi-final game against Argentina.
“It’s not a friendship from now but from a long time ago.We have been out to eat together a lot of times and we have a great relationship.Dunga is a great coach and I congratulate him because he has changed Brazil a lot. They will be a tough and difficult rival but friendship doesn’t count here.To be representing an entire country and what that means, the future of these players. We are going to give everything we can to try to make it through. We want to advance, and this is a final for us,” said Diaz.