The world's oldest international soccer tournament kicked off on Tuesday with Peru's stunning 3-0 defeat of Uruguay, while host Venezuela missed out on their first Copa America win in 40 years when they drew 2-2 with Bolivia.
Soccer heavyweight Brazil were to open their title defense yesterday when they squared off against Mexico, who were invited as a guest to the 12-nation South American tournament along with the United States. Ecuador later meet Chile, also at Puerto Ordaz' Bolivar stadium.
Miguel Villalta scored with a first-half header and Peru added another pair in the second half to upset Uruguay, who are tied with Argentina for the most wins in the championships, at 14.
A poorly marked Villalta converted a short corner in the 27th minute and Juan Carlos Marino's blast inside the near post from the top corner of the penalty area in the 70th gave the Peruvians more than enough to win.
A wide open Paolo Guerrero, on a pass from Andres Mendoza, scored Peru's third goal over a tired Uruguay squad in the final minutes.
Following the Uruguay-Peru match, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, flanked by Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona and fellow leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales, watched as the host nation let escape an opportunity to obtain just its second-ever Copa victory.
Giancarlo Maldonado and Ricardo Paez scored either side of the break to give Venezuela a draw with Bolivia.
Venezuela opened the scoring after 21 minutes when Maldonado fired a shot past the diving Bolivian keeper.
Bolivia counterattacked and were helped by a Venezuelan own-goal deflection off a Jaime Moreno shot in the 39th minute.
Venezuela temporarily regained the lead with a breakaway goal by Paez in the 62nd minute. But Bolivian playmaker Juan Carlos Arce tipped in the equalizer with the heel of his outstretched foot with seven minutes remaining.
Venezuela, who are hosting their first Copa America, are aiming for their first Copa America victory since 1967, when they beat Bolivia 3-0. They have never advanced to the tournament's second round.
Brazil beat continental rival Argentina on penalty kicks to claim the 2004 title.
While the Argentines are once again bringing their biggest guns to the tournament, Brazil have opted for a less experienced team led by Real Madrid striker Robinho.
Missing from the six-time World Cup champions' roster are big-name stars like Ronaldinho and Kaka, who asked not to be picked for the June 26-July 15 tournament.
Mexico arrive in Venezuela plagued by injuries after losing 2-1 to the United States in the Gold Cup finals on Sunday in Chicago. Among those missing from the tricolors' lineup are all-time leading scorer Jared Borgetti and left-winger Andres Guardado.
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