Robinho had fired Brazil ahead in the 15th minute when he swept home in close range after new Liverpool signing Roberto Firmino allowed Dani Alves’ low cross from the right to run past him at the near post.
Bizarrely, it was Brazil’s only touch in the Paraguay box in the entire first half, a statistic which demonstrated how they were unable to press home their early advantage against a well-organised Albirroja outfit.
And Ramón Díaz’s men drew level 18 minutes from time when Derlis González drilled home from the penalty spot after Thiago Silva inexplicably handled a hanging cross in the box as he battled for the ball with Santa Cruz.
Dunga’s men made spirited efforts to win the game at full time, but their attacking efforts fell very short. Rather, it was Paraguay that looked more deadly upfront.
By full time, the match had to be settled on penalties.
In 2011, Brazil had lost to the same opponents at the same stage of Copa America.