Copa America Round-up
Mexico secured a shock 2-0 victory over reigning champions Brazil in their opening Group B clash of the Copa America on Wednesday.
In front of a crowd of 40,000 at the Cachamay stadium in Puerto Ordaz, Hugo Sanchez's side were far superior against a depleted Brazil outfit.
First-half goals from Nery Castillo and Ramon Morales secured the stunning victory for Mexico.
Alex came close to opening the scoring for Brazil but it was Mexico who took the lead in the 23rd minute when Olimpyacos' midfielder Castillo completed a superb individual move with a powerful shot.
Just six minutes later and another stunning strike made it 2-0.
Guadalajara midfielder Morales fired home a superb free kick that nestled into the right corner of the net.
Chances were few after that as Brazil struggled to find their rhythm and impose themselves on Mexico.
Castillo saw his effort well saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Helton while Robinho's shot for Brazil went straight into the hands of Ochoa.
With only a few minutes remaining Robinho smashed a shot against the crossbar while Alex had a header well saved by Ochoa.
Chile came from behind to defeat Ecuador 3-2 in their opening game in Group B of the Copa America.
Chile came from behind to defeat Ecuador 3-2 in their opening game in Group B of the Copa America.
Instrumental in the victory was substitute Carlos Villanueva, who stepped off the bench with 20 minutes to go to set-up one goal before scoring himself to clinch the win.
Until then Ecuador had dominated the game and had deservedly broken the deadlock through Antonio Valencia, who collected a pass from Carlos Tenorio before firing home.
In the 19th minute, Colo Colo striker Humberto Suazo equalised with a superb effort from distance, but Ecuador were soon back in front when Cristian Benitez took advantage of an error by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to make it 2-1 in the 22nd minute.
Luis Fernando Suarez's side continued to dominate and had chances to further extend their lead but failed to convert any of them.
Chile's Uruguayan coach Nelson Acosta brought on Miguel Riffo and Juan Lorca during the interval in a bid to increase his side's attacking threat.
But it was Ecuador who continued to carve out opportunities; Reading's Ulises de La Cruz saw his effort well saved by goalkeeper Bravo before a header from Giovanni Espinoza went just wide.
In the 72nd minute Audax Italiano's playmaker Villanueva came off the bench and he made an immediate impact.
In the 80th minute he set-up Suazo who made it 2-2 with an impressive volley and Villanueva secured the victory for Chile six minutes later when his free-kick flew straight into the net.
Brazil will try to recover against Chile in their second game on Sunday while Mexico will face Luis Fernando Suarez' Ecuador.
Both games will be played at the Juana La Avanzadora stadium in Maturin city.
