La Serena, Chile: Paraguay snatched a last-gasp 2-2 Copa America draw with favourites Argentina here Saturday to stun Lionel Messi and his star-studded team-mates.
A 90th-minute equaliser from Montpellier striker Lucas Barrios completed a dramatic turnaround for the Paraguayans, who had trailed 2-0 at half-time after Argentina goals from Sergio Aguero and Messi.
Argentina looked in control of the Group B game for long periods but were forced onto the back foot in the second half when Paraguay threw caution to the wind in the hunt for goals.
Paraguay were given a lifeline on 60 minutes when Eintracht Frankfurt striker Nelson Valdez lashed in a long-range effort to cut Argentina’s lead to 2-1.
Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero pulled off a series of saves to keep Paraguay at bay and it looked as if the Group B underdogs would be denied.
But with the final whistle looming, a long free kick from Nestor Ortigoza was headed by Paulo Da Silva into the path of Barrios, who swept home a low shot to leave Argentina in shock.
Earlier, Argentina looked to be cruising after taking a 2-0 lead as they launched their quest for a first major title in 22 years.
Messi scored a 36th-minute penalty to give his team a two-goal cushion, moments after forcing the Paraguay mistake which led to Aguero’s opener.
Despite winning every honour in the game at club level, Messi has yet to taste success in a major international tournament in the famous blue and white shirt of his homeland.
Messi is determined to end that jinx in Chile, repeatedly stating that one of the most gifted generations of players Argentina has ever produced must crown their talent with a title.
The shock draw on Saturday will have raised Argentine fears about another tournament disappointment. Argentina now face holders Uruguay in their second game tomorrow.
Meanwhile, central defender Rafael Marquez will miss Mexico’s two remaining Group A matches at the Copa America through injury, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said yesterday.
The experienced 36-year-old suffered an injury to his left thigh during Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Bolivia on Friday and misses today’s clash with hosts Chile and the match against Ecuador on Friday. “The estimated recovery period for this kind of lesion is seven to 10 days,” the FMF said in a statement yesterday.
Marquez, Mexico’s captain at four World Cups including Brazil last year, is leading a second string team in Chile without leading players Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez and Giovani Dos Santos. All are being kept fresh for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States starting on July 7.
Chile top the group standings with three points after their 2-0 win over Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday. Mexico and Jamaica are guest teams at the South American tournament.
AGENCIES
