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A late strike from Fred rescued a valuable point for Brazil, who came from behind to draw 2-2 with Paraguay in their Copa America Group B clash on Saturday evening.

Like last week's opener against Venezuela, it was another disappointing display from the holders at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. In a performance that was once again notable for Brazil's lack of midfield cohesion and composure in the final third.

Paraguay started strongest and  should have went ahead in the second minute when Roque Santa Cruz drove a glorious chance over the bar after latching onto Barrios' defence-splitting pass.

Throughout the first half, Brazil continuously struggled to maintain possession. Paraguay's high-tempo pressing suffocated Ramires and Lucas in midfield, forcing the frustrated Thiago Silva to look for the long pass to Pato time after time.

Six minutes before the break, Brazil took a surprise lead when Jadson - a late inclusion in the line-up - drilled the ball home from distance after great work from Ramires in regaining possession.

At half-time the goal scorer was surprisingly replaced by Elano as coach Mano Menezes sought to toughen up midfield. However, the change backfired catastrophically when Paraguay equalised just 11 minutes later.

The impressive Marcelo Estigarribia, whose pace and skill gave Dani Alves a night to forget, crossed for Roque Santa Cruz to nonchalantly roll the ball past Julio Cesar from close range.

It was the Manchester City outcast's 25th goal for his country, equalling Jose Cardozo's record of 25.

La Albirroja then took a deserved lead just ten minutes later through substitute Nelson Valdez after Christian Riveros robbed the ball from Daniel Alves inside Brazil’s penalty area.

Having regained possession, Riverros found Santa Cruz who squared for Valdes, whose effort was initially blocked before rebounding back of his chest and over Julio Cesar and into the empty net.

With time running out, Menezes played his desperate last card and replaced the golden child of Brazilian football, Neymar, with burly veteran Fred.

In the 89th minute, the Fluminense striker repaid the enormous act of faith with a neat finish from the edge of the box following an intelligent flick from Paulo Henrique Ganso.

Speaking to the media after the game Menezes appeared unconcerned by the performance, urging the Brazilian public to see the bigger picture: World Cup 2014.

"We need to understand the stage in which we are in; we know what we need to do for 2014," he said. "We have good individual players and we have to make them work together in a team which is still being built.

"I could've brought only young players to this competition, but that could've [put] too much pressure on them, so we opted for a mixed squad, with experienced players to support the youngsters.”

Neymar, again booed by Brazil's travelling contingent, also appeared unconcerned: "Those who criticise today applauded you yesterday and certainly will almost applaud you tomorrow. It was not the result we wanted, but we'll lift our heads and work hard because there's more to come on Wednesday."

Group B concludes on Wednesday when Brazil face Ecuador and Paraguay meet Venezuela.