Mexico Stun samba boys

Wednesday 27 June 2007 Venezuela
Mexico 2-0 Brazil

Two first half goals gave Mexico a shock win against the holders Brazil .
Castillo showed skill and composure in the 23rd minute to score for Mexico against the run of play. Six minutes later Morales lifted his free-kick over the wall and past the bewildered Brazilian keeper. Brazil dominated the second half but found the Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa in excellent form. Robinho hit the bar from a tight angle in the 72nd minute after dribbling his way past several defenders in the box and 2 minutes later Alex saw his powerful header cleared off the line, but it was Mexico who came closest when Castillo rounded the keeper in stoppage time only to miss the open goal and save Brazil further embarrassment.

Ecuador feel the chill

Wednesday 27 June 2007 Venezuela
Chile 3-2 Ecuador

Chile came from behind to beat Ecuador with two late goals in day 1 of group B.
Mendez found Valencia with a clever pass in 16 minute and the Ecuadorian put his side ahead with an accurate lob. Four minutes later Chile were on equal terms when Suazo screwed the ball past the keeper from outside the area. Ecuador were back in front within 3 minutes when Benitez helped the ball over the line with a header. Mora had to make a good save for Ecuador to keep out Contreras in the 38th minute. Claudio Bravo made several important saves in the second half as Ecuador looked in command, but with 10 minutes remaining the ball fell to Suazo who chested it down and scored off the cross bar. Villanueva curled a free-kick past Mora in the 87th minute to give Chile a 3-2 victory.