Copa America: Argentina 1 Bolivia 1

Bolivia managed to spring an upset on the opening day of the 2011 Copa America, snaring a point in a 1-1 draw with hosts Argentina on Friday.

The tournament opener was highly anticipated and in front of a fervent home crowd in Buenos Aires, Argentine manager Sergio Batista selected a full-strength side including the likes of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez.

But Argentina were slow out of the blocks in the early stages and both sides headed into the break goalless.

Argentina looked to break the game open in the second half, they introduced Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria in favour of Inter Milan’s Esteban Cambiasso.

But the home crowd were shocked just three minutes into the second half when a defensive mix-up allowed Bolivia to score.

A corner was whipped into the near post and Bolivian striker Edvaldo Rojas flicked it towards goal.

It seemed easy enough for Ever Banega to stop at the near post, but he put his foot on the ball, only for it to roll backwards and agonisingly over the line, much to goalkeeper Sergio Romero’s disgust.

It was a bizarre goal and the pressure on Argentina only increased as a result, with Bolivia having a chance to double their lead only for Romero to come out of his area impressively to negate the danger.

The last 30 minutes was one-way traffic with Argentina in control of the match, but unable to find that all-important goal.

Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero was introduced with 20 minutes remaining by the desperate Batista and the move paid dividends when he scored after 76 minutes.

A cross from the left was hit by Di Maria, with Nicolas Burdisso chesting the ball down to Aguero who thumped the ball high into the net on the volley, leaving Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Arias with no chance.

It was a superb goal and Aguero nearly doubled his account moments later, but despite a series of late chances, Argentina were forced to settle for a point, a result which will only increase the pressure on the tournament hosts.