2002 World Cup qualifier - Argentina 1 Paraguay 1

Argentina needed to come from behind to earn a home draw against Paraguay but stay top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying section.

Pablo Aimar saved the game after the home team failed to get through the Paraguayan defence until late on.

Argentina almost snatched a win when Walter Samuel crashed in a rebound off the post towards goal but goalkeeper Ricardo Tavarelli blocked the shot with his legs in the 82nd minute. Tavarelli was playing in place of the suspended Jose Luis Chilavert.

At first though the visitors were well on top.

Denis Caniza forced a good save in the 11th minute from Roberto Bonano and Robert Acuna hit the post In the 35th minute.

Argentine attacks regularly broke down and they conceded to Acuna in the 61st minute.

The impressive midfielder hit a shot on the run from the penalty area but River Plate star Aimar was put clear by a Hernan Crespo headed in the 67th minute to slide the ball in.

After Aimar's success another young River star - Javier Saviola - was introduced and the Argentines started to look a threat and Ariel Ortega saw the brilliant defensive work of Carlos Gamarra clear an 80th minute shot from the goal line.