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Paraguay, Uruguay draw 1-1 and advance to Copa quarters
Defending champion Uruguay and Paraguay drew 1-1 in their last group game and both advanced to the Copa America quarterfinals on Saturday
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span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Defending champion Uruguay and Paraguay drew 1-1 in their last group game and both advanced to the Copa America quarterfinals on Saturday.
Jose Maria Gimenez put Uruguay in front in the 29th minute on a header, and Lucas Barrios leveled with his own header a minute before halftime.
Both teams had chances in the second half, though neither grabbed control. The game was a rematch of the 2011 final in Buenos Aires, where Uruguay won 3-0.
The draw suited both teams, though defender Gimenez said that was never the intention.
"There was a lot to play for ' the prestige, wearing the national team shirt," Gimenez said. "None of the teams here are playing for a draw, nor to lose."
Edinson Cavani, Uruguay's leader with Luis Suarez banned from the tournament, has done little so far. He had at least three clear openings to score. On his best chance, Cavani was stopped in the 68th by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar on a point-blank shot.
Paraguay has had a strong tournament, drawing with Uruguay and Argentina.
"I'm very happy to show off the strength that Paraguay has," Argentina-born Barrios said. "It's an important team, and we've shown that right from the first match. We are stronger than ever."
In Group B, Paraguay has five points, and Uruguay four. Argentina, on four, also advanced before its late game against Jamaica.
Bolivia and Chile advanced on Friday from Group A, with Group C matches wrapping up on Sunday.
The quarterfinals begin on Wednesday. (dmr)
