By Richard Martin, Reuters
Published: 00:12 BST, 17 June 2019 | Updated: 01:05 BST, 17 June 2019
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Qatar fought their way back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Paraguay in their first ever Copa America game on Sunday, proving they will be no pushovers in the tournament by pulling off a thrilling revival at a near-empty Maracana stadium.
The 2022 World Cup hosts are one of two guest teams at the South American championship along with Japan. However, their debut got off to a nightmare start when Paraguay's Oscar Cardozo smashed in from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.
Qatar, who swept to victory at the Asian Cup by scoring 19 goals and only conceding once, caused their opponents plenty of problems later in the half but failed to capitalise, with striker Almoez Ali missing a glaring attempt from close range.
Qatar came from two goals down to earn a memorable draw in their first Copa Ameirca game
