Chile put down an almighty marker and moved on from the Arturo Vidal controversy by thumping Bolivia 5-0 to secure a place in the quarter-finals and top spot in Group A.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side came into their final group game under the cloud of Vidal’s drink driving charge and trashing of his Ferrari on Tuesday night, but came out of it with the biggest win of the tournament so far - underlining his challenge as Copa contenders.

Charles Aranguiz netted the opener after just three minutes, with a diving header from Alexis Sanchez putting Chile 2-0 up at the break.

Sampaoli withdrew both Sanchez and Vidal at half-time with one eye surely on the quarter-finals, but it did little to stem his side’s momentum. Eduardo Vargas, Gary Medel and an own goal from Bolivian captain Ronald Raldes all found the net in the second half to cap what was an emphatic victory for the Lone Star, and perhaps the best team display of the tournament so far.

Ecuador on the verge

Ecuador sent Mexico crashing out of the Copa America while giving themselves at least a slim chance of making the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win.

Gustavo Quinteros’ side now need a heavy win from Paraguay against Uruguay, as well as some other results in the other groups, to claim a place in the quarter-finals after what was their best display of the tournament.

Miller Bolanos scored the opener for Ecuador, with Enner Valencia doubling his side’s advantage just before the hour mark. Raul Jimenez halved the deficit from the penalty spot soon after, but Mexico couldn’t find an equaliser and will now focus on the Gold Cup later this summer.

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