Copa America favorites Argentina started their competition with a disappointing 2-2 draw with neighbors Paraguay. Argentina who were 2-0 up at half time, threw away a two goal lead in the second half in and end to end exciting encounter. An inspired Paraguay side deservedly taking a point away Argentina thanks to an outstanding second half performance.
Argentina dominated the first period playing some wonderful attacking football, Paraguay failing to cope with the attacking threat of Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi. Argentina took the lead as Sergio Aguero was played through on goal by Paraguay defender Miguel Samudio, whose pass back was short; Aguero rounded the goalkeeper Antony Silva and put Argentina in the lead. Argentina were then awarded a penalty as Samudio brought down Di Maria in the area, captain Lionel Messi stepped up and tucked the penalty away into the bottom corner, putting the Argentina in pole position to attain all three points in their opening game.
Argentina going into half time with a comfortable two goal lead and they could have had more after a dominant attacking display with little threat from Paraguay.
After the break, Paraguay come out and started to look for like a threat, putting together some nice passing and attacking football. Paraguay eventually cut Argentina’s lead in the 60th minute thanks to an incredible long range strike from Nelson Valdez, finding the top corner with a powerful effort giving Sergio Romero no chance. In the second half both teams had a number of chances to score in a fast passed end to end match-up.
Javier Pastore came close to increasing Argentina’s lead but was denied by a sharp save from Antony Silva, pushing his effort round the post. From the resulting corner, Sergio Aguero was a few inches from scoring his second of the game as his looping effort nearly caught out Silva but was off target. Moments later, Paraguay was extremely close to equalizing as a Derlis Gonzalez cross evaded the Paraguayan attackers and the chance went begging.
Paraguay looked dangerous on the counter but failed to take advantage as the final ball was disappointing. Messi was inches away from converting his second of the game and confirming the victory for Argentina, however, he was unable to connect Di Maria’s square ball. Argentina brought on more fire power in hope to kill the game off, bringing on Gonzalo Higuain and the return of Carlos Tevez to competitive action for his country.
Miguel Samudio was close to redeeming himself for his two first half mistakes, which cost Paraguay two goals as Roque Santa Cruz laid him off inside the box but his powerful strike was saved by Sergio Romero, Paraguay unfortunate not to be level. Angel Di Maria was finding space on the counter down the left hand side for Argentina; he came close to sealing the victory for the favorites but was his effort was saved by Silva. In the 88th minute Paraguay once again came really close to leveling the game but Marcos Caceres’ header drifted wide.
Paraguay finally managed to find the equalizer, as Lucas Barrios slammed home from a Da Silva knock down in the 92nd minute. There was one more chance for Argentina to take all three points, however, Tevez’ failed to direct his header on target from yards out in the last minute. A disappointing result for Argentina as they could have had the game killed off early on when they were the dominant side.
After the break, Paraguay looked like a completely different side, Ramon Diaz’ half time team talk clearly had an effect as Paraguay looked the dominant side, and deservedly so battled back from two goals down to upset the odds and take a point away from the favorites. Argentina will be looking to bounce back from this result with a victory against Uruguay. As for Paraguay, they dominated the favorites for the majority of the second half, and will be looking to challenge Uruguay for second place in Group B.
