Chile came from a goal down to beat an under-strength Mexico 2-1 at the Copa America on Monday, while World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay also had to fight back to earn a 1-1 draw with Peru.
Uruguay’s draw means all three seeded sides at the tournament have failed to win their opening matches. Argentina drew 1-1 wit Bolivia, while Brazil’s opener against Venezuela ended 0-0.
For all the fanfare and hype leading into the Copa America the tournament has been a major disappointment so far as four of the six matches ending in draws. Colombia and Chile are the only sides to have won, both by a single goal.
Uruguay, with Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez in attack, had been expected to beat a Peru side who finished bottom of the South American qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup.
However, it was the Peruvians who took the lead in the 24th minute when Michael Guevara lomg-ball down the middle caught the Uruguayan defence napping allowing Paolo Guerrero to round the goalkeeper and stroke the ball home.
Uruguay kept plugging away and in first-half injury time they got their Suarez buried his shot in the bottom left-hand corner of the net with virtually the last kick of the half.
In the late game, Mexico took the lead against the run of play when Nestor Araujo scored with a looping header.
But the Chileans equalised in the 67th minute when substitute Esteban Paredes scored following a scramble in the box.
Six minutes later Arturo Vidal grabbed Chile’s winner with a great header from a corner, which rocketed into the top corner of the Mexican net.