Argentina risk last 8 chances in Copa America

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The South American football powerhouse Argentina went on to have disappointing results in 2019 Copa America, as they yet to earn a win after second group matches.

Nicknamed "La Albiceleste" (The White and Sky-Blues), Argentina have risked their last eight chances in the Copa America as they drew against Paraguay 1-1 in Group B game late Wednesday in Belo Horizonte.

Paraguay took the lead against Argentina in the 37th minute of the match as Richard Sanchez scored a shocking opener.

In the early minutes of the second half, Argentina was awarded a penalty kick after a handball in the box. Argentina superstar Lionel Messi converted the penalty successfully, 1-1.

In the 62nd minute of the match, Paraguayan midfielder Derlis Gonzalez was brought down by Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi as the referee pointed the penalty spot for Paraguay.

Argentinian goalkeeper Franco Armani saved Gonzalez's penalty to avoid Paraguay's lead and the match ended 1-1.

Last weekend, Colombia upset Argentina 2-0, as Argentina made a bad start to this tournament.

Argentina's next group match will be against Qatar on June 23.

After second matches, Colombia tops Group B, having six points.

Paraguay is in the second spot with two points. Qatar, one of the Copa America guests from outside the South America, came in third with one point.

Despite having many stars such as Messi, Paulo Dybala and Sergio Aguero, Argentina sank to the bottom of the Group B with one point.

Previously, Argentina won this cup 14 times, but not since 1993.

The top two nations from each group and the two best third-place nations will qualify for the quarterfinals.