• Copa America

Aguero saves Argentina in Copa opener

Sergio Aguero's second-half volley rescued a point for Argentina © Getty Images

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Sergio Aguero spared the blushes of host nation Argentina after scoring an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining to come away with a 1-1 draw in their opening Copa America clash against Bolivia.

Aguero came on as a substitute in La Plata after Argentina signalled their attacking intent by starting Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Ezequiel Lavezzi up front. Bolivia, meanwhile, forced Shakhtar Donetsk front-man Marcelo Moreno to play as a lone striker in order to shore up the midfield.

Tevez looked to get Argentina off to a dream start, producing a glancing header from Messi free-kick inside the opening minutes, only to see his effort flash wide of the target. But that would arguably be the hosts' best chance of the opening stanza, as they struggled to break down a resolute Bolivian defence.

The visitors then stunned the home faithful just after the half-time break when Edivaldo Rojas back-heeled a Jhasmany Campos corner over the line, despite the scrambling attempt of goalkeeper Sergio Romero to keep the ball out.

Moreno had the chance to double Bolivia's advantage in the 65th-minute, but Romero was up the challenge on that occasion to keep the home side in the contest.

Aguero then scored a soaring volley on 75 minutes to restore parity after Nicolas Burdisso chested down Angel Di Maria's cross from the left flank. The Atletico Madrid striker made no mistake in front of goal, but Argentina were unable to secure a late winner as they pushed men forward in the closing stages.

Colombia and Costa Rica are the other teams in Group A and meet in the second game of the tournament on Saturday.

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