Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron dazzled for Paraguay in the Copa America on Sunday evening, despite his side's disappointing 2-2 draw with Qatar.
Almiron had been out of action for two months after suffering a hamstring injury during April's 3-1 win over Southampton but made up for lost time at the Maracana stadium in Brazil.
The former Atlanta United star helped to transform Newcastle's season as they pulled clear from the relegation zone after his arrival on deadline day during the January transfer window.
And despite his lack of recent game-time, Almiron picked up where he left off on Tyneside and was at his creative best during Paraguay's opening group game.
Playing in the number 10 role, Almiron showed glimpses of his creative quality in the first half with a defence splitting pass to put Cecilio Dominguez in on goal only for the Club Atletico Independiente winger's first touch to let him down.
Nonetheless, in the second half Almiron did register an assist as he drove in to the right hand side of the box before firing a low cross with the outside of his left boot for Derlis Gonzalez to tap Paraguay into a 2-0 lead.
However, Paraguay disappointingly surrendered their lead and now face an uphill battle to qualify from the group stages after failing to beat the group's poorest side.
Manager Eduardo Berizzo bemoaned Qatar's involvement in the competition after the game and claimed the Copa America should only be for countries based in North, South and Central America.
Paraguay face Argentina next in the early hours of Thursday morning before ending their group campaign against Colombia next Sunday.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle forward Salomon Rondon played the full 90 minutes for Venezuela on Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Peru.
