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Paraguay and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw in a replay of the 2011 Copa America final; the result meant both sides qualify for the quarter finals and that Jamaica would finish bottom of the group regardless of their result with Argentina. The point meant that Paraguay topped group B momentarily with 5 points.
Paraguay impressed in their first two games as they first battled back from two goals down to snatch a point against tournament favorites Argentina and then defeated Jamaica 1-0 with a solid performance. The game started off lively but there were few scoring chances. The first real chance fell to Nelson Valdez was on the end of it but he failed to direct his powerful header on target.
The game had no flow to it in the first half as play was constantly stopped due to persistent fouls by both sides and possession was sloppy. Abel Hernandez got booked in the early stages and came close to being sent off in the 22nd minute after he tripped Bruno Valdez.
Uruguay took the lead in the 29th minute as Jose Gimenez headed home from a corner. The Atletico Madrid defender found himself unmarked 6 yards out and he headed home off the ground then off the post, giving Uruguay the advantage.
Uruguay had a number of chances to double their lead in the first half but Justo Villar came up big for Paraguay with some key saves. Edinson Cavani also came close to scoring his first goal of the competition but his curling effort was off target, another big missed chance for the star striker.
Paraguay equalised on the verge of half time through Lucas Barrios, as the striker headed home from an Edger Benitez corner that Uruguayan goalkeeper Diego Muslera had no chance of stopping.
Cristhian Stuani had a chance to put Uruguay back in the lead in the 2nd half, but he was unable to direct his header on target and ball went wide after good work by Uruguay down the left hand side and a good delivery. Cavani also missed a great chance as he was left unmarked at the back post, but his acrobatic effort was saved by Villar.
In the 85th minute Stuani was unmarked in the penalty area but the substitute failed to convert his effort as he shot straight at Villar, once again squandering another massive opportunity for Uruguay to go in front in an important game.
The game finished 1-1 resulting in both sides advancing into the quarter finals of the Copa America, Uruguay had the best chances of the game to take all three points but both sides will not be complaining as they both got the job done to qualify from the group, Argentina will now likely top the group should they win as expected over Jamaica in their final group game.
