Chile held, Bolivia upset Ecuador in Copa goal-fest

SANTIAGO: Mexico snatched a pulsating 3-3 draw with Chile while Bolivia downed Ecuador in a five-goal thriller as the Copa America laid on a feast of attacking football on Monday.

A dramatic day of action in Group A saw Bolivia secure their first win in the tournament in 18 years with a 3-2 victory over Ecuador in Valparaiso before an epic battle between Chile and Mexico in Santiago.

Chile, 2-0 winners over Ecuador in their opening game, looked to have booked their place in the quarter-finals after two goals from Juventus star Arturo Vidal helped them into a 3-2 lead.

But a 66th-minute equaliser from Vicente Vuoso, his second of the match, earned a share of the points for Mexico, who are one of two teams from outside South America invited to take part in this year´s tournament.

Vuoso had given Mexico the lead after only 21 minutes, tucking away Juan Carlos Medina´s cross after a sweeping counter-attack, only for Vidal to level a minute later with a thunderous header.

Mexico grabbed the lead again on 29 minutes when Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez headed home Adrian Aldrete´s corner to make it 2-1.

Chile again hit back rapidly however with Eduardo Vargas equalising shortly before the break.

Vidal then struck a 55th-minute penalty to put Chile ahead for the first time in the match, only for Vuoso to frustrate the home side with his second.

Chile had what looked like a legitimate Alexis Sanchez goal ruled out for offside with 10 minutes to go as Mexico survived a late onslaught to claim a share of the points.

Chile now top Group A on goal difference as they prepare to meet Bolivia in their final first round match on Friday. (AFP)