Argentina sensationally threw away a two-goal lead, as Lucas Barrios scored a dramatic late equaliser to snatch a point for Paraguay against the tournament favourites.
Tata Martino’s side had looked on course for a comfortable win, after first-half goals from Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi, but were pegged back by Nelson Valdez’s stunning long-range strike on the hour mark.
The goal seemed to energise Paraguay, with Argentina shaken. The underdogs continued to press but looked to have missed the chance of claiming a point following spurned opportunities by Valdez and Miguel Samudio.
However, with just minutes left on the clock Barrios slammed home a finish from a da Silva knock-down inside the area to restore parity and complete Paraguay’s unlikely second half comeback from two-goals down.
Elsewhere…
Uruguay got their Copa America defence off to a winning start, although Oscar Tabarez’s side were somewhat fortunate to claim a 1-0 win over an impressive Jamaica side.
Cristian Rodriguez scored what turned out to be the winner for Uruguay – who are of course without Luis Suarez through suspension – forcing home a well-worked free kick move to edge his side into a 1-0 52nd-minute lead.
However, Uruguay were far from convincing and were handed a stern test from Jamaica, with Darren Mattocks, Giles Barnes and Jobi McAnuff all playing well for the Reggae Boys as they suffered an unfortunate opening game defeat.
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