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Copa America: Last minute Barrios strike stuns title favourites Argentina

Paraguay come from behind to score two second-half goals in 2-2 draw

Afp June 14, 2015

Even though Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi had given Argentina a 2-0 lead at half-time, a long-range strike from Nelson Valdez and a last-minute goal by forward Lucas Barrios denied the World Cup runners-up the win. PHOTO: AFP

LA SERENA/ ANTOFAGASTA: Argentina’s dream of a first major title in 22 years was given a reality check on Saturday as Paraguay came from behind to snatch a last-gasp 2-2 draw in a Copa America classic.

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero and captain Lionel Messi looked to have put Argentina on the road to a routine victory in Group B after firing the tournament favourites into a 2-0 first-half lead.

But a long-range strike from Nelson Valdez hauled Paraguay back into the contest before Argentine-born forward Lucas Barrios grabbed a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser.

The stunning comeback left Argentina in shock and could complicate their route through the knock-out rounds in Chile.

“It is a sin [to give away an equaliser in the final minute],” said Argentina coach Gerardo Martino. “We lost control and the other team had four or five chances to get a draw. We had many chances to win.”

On the other hand Barrios, who scored the late equaliser, was jubilant after his team’s heroics. “This group is so tough that getting a draw in the last minute against Argentina is like a victory,” said Barrios.

Godin seeks improvement after Jamaica win

Uruguay captain Diego Godin demanded improvement after his team opened the defence of their Copa America crown with a lacklustre 1-0 win over Jamaica.

The Uruguayans, missing suspended striker Luis Suarez, eked out victory over the Caribbean minnows thanks to a second-half goal from Cristian Rodriguez.

Godin expressed relief at claiming all three points but said Uruguay would need to improve in their coming Group B games against Argentina and Paraguay. “It’s a good result to start with, now we need to correct some mistakes,” said Godin.

Uruguay, surprise winners of the 2011 tournament in Argentina, are fielding a new-look side in Chile under the guidance of long-serving coach Oscar Tabarez.

The absence of Barcelona star Suarez, still serving an international ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup last year, has deprived La Celeste of their most potent attacking weapon.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2015.

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