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Tournament favourites Brazil and Ecuador started the Copa América badly. The Brazilians, who had included PSV defender <L CODE="C02">Alex</L> in their starting line-up, suffered a shock 2-0 defeat against Mexico. Ecuador, with <L CODE="C01">Edison Mendez</L>, took the lead twice against Chili, but eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat. A survey of the Group B double-header.
Chili - Ecuador: 3-2
Antonio Valencia opened the scoring for the Ecuadorians after 16 minutes, but Chili leveled things only five minutes later. The euphoria for the equaliser proved short-lived, for only two minutes later Cristian Benítez nodded Ecuador back in front. Mendez’s team created plenty of chances to wrap up the game, but ten minutes from time, things went horribly wrong for the Ecuadorians. Suazo pulled his side level for the second time and substitute Carlos Villanueva made even sure of a 3-2 win, when he struck a superb late free kick in the closing stages.
Brazil- Mexico: 0-2
Brazil slipped to an embarrassing 2-0 defeat against Mexico in a pulsating game. Brazil may have produced some displays of controlled and creative football, the Mexicans scored the goals. Diego had a goal disallowed for the Brazilians after six minutes and coach Dunga’s team created the better chances to break the deadlock, but the opening goal was netted at the other end. Nery Castillo first rounded defender Maicon before guiding the ball past goalkeeper Dobi: 0-1. Five minutes later Mexico doubled their advantage, after Diego had committed a foul and Ramón Morales’ superbly-taken free kick sailed into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Doni with no chance. PSV defender Alex got an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the second half, when he headed on target from a Maicon corner, but he had his effort cleared off the line. Heerenveen striker Alves was brought on as a substitute after the break, but he could not turn the tide, either.
Brazil hope to bounce back from defeat next Sunday, when they take on Chili, while Ecuador face Mexico, who top their Group. <L CODE="C03">Lee Nguyen</L> may make an appearance tonight when Team USA meet Argentina in Maracaibo.
