Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron both disappointed at Copa America

Guimaraes was in the starting line-up for Brazil’s opening group game in the United States, which was expected to be a routine win over Costa Rica.

However, Brazil struggled for much of the game, and with Guimaraes firing a shot just over the crossbar in the closing stages, the pre-tournament favourites were forced to settle for a disappointing goalless draw.

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Almiron’s Paraguay fared even worse in their opening game of the tournament as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia.

Almiron, who has been linked with a possible summer move away from Tyneside, played for the opening 59 minutes of the game, lining up in the same right-attacking position he fills for Newcastle.

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However, Paraguay were already 2-0 down when he was substituted midway through the second half, through goals from Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, and while Almiron’s side pulled a goal back through Brighton’s Julio Enciso, they were unable to restore parity.