Copa America 2021: Argentina held by Chile, Paraguay dominates Bolivia

The 2021 Copa America held its Matchday 2 duties on Monday night. A couple of matches were held involving the South Zone, with Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Here's how things panned out as we present the round-up.

Argentina held by Chile
In the top match of the day, 14-time champion Argentina took on two-time champion Chile at the Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janerio. It was a competitive match right from the start, while skipper Lionel Messi opened the proceedings with a stunning free-kick goal in the 33rd minute, as La Albiceleste led at half-time.

The second half turned out to be dramatic, as Chile was awarded a penalty in the 56th minute, with Arturo Vidal missing it after being denied by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Nevertheless, it was to no avail as Eduardo Vargas shot in the rebound, which turned out to be the winner.

Reactions
Messi: "The game was complicated. We lacked calmness, having control of the ball and playing faster. The penalty changed the game. We wanted to start winning. Now, we have Uruguay, which is also going to be difficult. But hey, we have to think about the next match now."

Nicolas Gonzalez: "I am self-critical today; I have failed a lot. We must be much finer. I'm going to be angry but happy for some of the positives we showed today. We had a lot of goal situations. We entered a little asleep in the second half, but later we were able to [evolve]."

Paraguay dominates Bolivia
Paraguay was up against Bolivia at the Estádio Olímpico Pedro Ludovico Teixeira in Goiania in the second game of the matchday. The latter scored the opening goal, thanks to Erwin Saavedra's penalty. Meanwhile, there was some drama at the stroke of half-time, as Bolivia's Jaume Cuéllar was sent off while the side led at half-time.

Nonetheless, the second half saw Paraguay bid its comeback, as Alejandro Romero levelled it in the 62nd minute, followed by Angel Romero three minutes later, who doubled it. Meanwhile, the latter scored his brace in the 80th that turned out to be the eventual winner.

Stats
Since 2007, Angel is the first to score a brace for Paraguay after Salvador Cabañas (2) and Roque Santa Cruz (3).
Paraguay's Kaku Romero Gamarra created ten chances, the most in a Copa America game since 2007.

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