Chile start Copa America with win

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Copa America hosts Chile started their campaign with a win, beating Ecuador 2-0 after goals from Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side struggled to make an impression in the final third for much of the match, with Ecuador causing problems for Chile on the counter-attack in front of a somewhat anxious home crowd.

But the hosts edged ahead after 67 minutes, when Vidal was brought down in the penalty area - allowing the Juventus midfielder to covert the spot kick to give Chile a valuable 1-0 lead in Santiago.

West Ham forward Enner Valencia threatened for Ecuador, hitting the bar with a header minutes before Chile doubled their lead.

Alexis Sanchez made the most of a loose pass in midfield, slotting through Vargas - who clipped a neat finish into the far corner.

However, Chile’s opening win was soured by the stoppage time sending off of Matias Fernadez, who was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge late in the contest.

Fixture for today:

Mexico v Bolivia (23:30 GMT)

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