CALI, Colombia, July 18 -- Needing at least one point to avoid an historic elimination in the first round of the Copa America, Brazil got three Wednesday night with a 3-1 victory over Paraguay.
First-half substitute Denilson set up one goal and scored another in the last three minutes as the defending champions reached the quarterfinals.
After a surprising loss in its opener, Brazil rebounded with a pair of wins and won Group B. It awaits the second-place team from Group C. Paraguay (0-1-2) was eliminated.
The fans at Pascual Guerrero stadium were completely surprised when Paraguay scored 10 minutes into the contest on a penalty kick by Guido Alvarenga.
But that was it for Paraguay as Brazil came alive. Brazil pressured Paraguay with crosses, good ball control and smart movements. Brazil had five corner kicks in a row in a demonstration of its dominance.
Ewerthon smashed the crossbar before goalkeeper Roberto Tavarelli stopped Fereira De Rosa Emerson from point-blank range. When Denilson came on in the 43rd minute, Brazil had too much firepower.
Paraguay coach Sergio Markarian responded by putting all his offensive players on the field to try to run a counterattack. But in the 56th minute, a shot from Juninho Pernambucano again hit Paraguay's crossbar and the onslaught was unavoidable.
Four minutes later, Denilson gave the ball to Alexandro de Sousa Alex and the midfielder scored with his left foot to tie the game.
Paraguay needed a goal to advance and Brazil took advantage. As time wound down, Denilson rushed down the right side and sent a low cross to Julianio Belleti, who scored for a 2-1 lead.
Two minutes into injury time, Denilson scored himself.
