Rematch of 2011 final: Uruguay advances to knockout stage after settling for draw against Paraguay

In a rematch of the 2011 Copa America final, Uruguay knew that tits chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition were good. Paraguay, meanwhile, had already booked its place in the quarterfinals.

What unfolded was exactly what many anticipated, as Uruguay created the better chances but was ultimately more concerned with securing the result needed to advance.

Following a pair of first-half headers, the battle of the 'Guays ended 1-1.

Here's what you need to know from Saturday's battle of the 'Guays:

The Goals

29th minute - Jose Gimenez, Uruguay: Knowing that even a one-goal defeat would be enough to secure advancement to the knockout stage, Uruguay opened the scoring in a manner that bore a striking resemblance to its game-winning goal versus Italy at last year's World Cup. Using his renowned strength in the air, 20-year-old centre-back Jose Gimenez blasted an emphatic header past Justo Villar to become the youngest Uruguayan to score at the Copa America in 14 years.

44th minute - Lucas Barrios, Paraguay: Anything Gimenez can do, Lucas Barrios can do better. Continuing his excellent form at the Copa America, the Argentina-born 30-year-old, whose 90th-minute heroics against Argentina rescued a point for Paraguay, thumped a vehement header past Fernando Muslera to level the score.

Man of the Match - Lucas Barrios

Lucas Barrios continues to put Paraguay on his back in a return to relevance.

In addition to scoring La Albirroja's equaliser - a goal that marked Paraguay's first against Uruguay at the Copa America in 11 years - Barrios was as effective as manager Ramon Diaz could have asked for, establishing himself as his side's most threatening player throughout his 72 minutes on the pitch.

Diaz will have to decide between starting Barrios or Roque Santa Cruz in the quarterfinals, and all signs point to the former being included in Paraguay's starting XI given his impressive overall form at the competition.

The 1,000 Words

"Everything will be A-OK, Uruguay."

Stray Thoughts

• There will surely be some concern among Uruguayan supporters regarding the lack of production in front of goal. Both Diego Rolan and Abel Hernandez have failed to replicate half the form that Luis Suarez likely would have provided.
• Regardless of what happens from here on out, Paraguay should be proud of how they have performed at the Copa America given the lack of expectations.
• Uruguay will meet Chile in the quarterfinals, an encounter that both sides would surely have preferred to avoid.