Half-Time Report: Argentina hold slender lead against Paraguay in Copa America semi-final

A goal by Lucas Barrios on the stroke of half time has given Paraguay hope of staging a fightback in their Copa America semi-final against Argentina.

Gerardo Martino's side went into the match as favourites and looked comfortable sitting on a two-goal lead heading into the break before Barrios pegged them back.

Paraguay almost took a surprise lead in the seventh minute when Nelson Valdez's knock-down landed invitingly for Roque Santa Cruz on the edge of the box, but the talismanic striker could only drag a shot wide.

The Argentines punished their opponents in the 15th minute after a Lionel Messi free kick was not dealt with properly, allowing Marcos Rojo to scramble the ball home.

Javier Pastore squandered a chance to put Argentina further in front in the 21st minute when he blasted an effort straight at Justo Villar in the Paraguay goal, but the midfielder made amends shortly after.

Messi turned provider again for Argentina's second, which came after the Barcelona star threaded a pass through to Pastore and the Paris Saint-Germain man fired a low effort beyond Villar.

However, Paraguay reduced the deficit at exactly the right time as Jorge Benitez's header acted as a through-ball for Barrios, allowing the Palmeiras striker to fire home and blow the match wide open.