A sensational second half performance from Paraguay saw them thrash Colombia 5-0 in their opening match of the Copa America campaign on Thursday.

Both the teams played a cautious first half hour of the game, with very few chances for either of them. However Paraguay broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 30th minute when a quick counter attack saw Roque Santa Cruz score a superb goal to beat keeper Miguel Calero.

Paraguay came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and extended the lead two minutes into the half through Santa Cruz who scored with a simple tap in. Jonathan Santana could have added a third in the 64th minute but his shot went inches wide of the post.

Colombia had a small spell of dominance in the second half, but was unable to score the goal with keeper Justo Villar pulling off some great saves to deny Edixon Perea. Santa Cruz completed his hat trick in the 80th minute when he headed home a Carlos Bonet cross from the right side of the field.