Saviola starts with hat trick

Argentina striker Javior Saviola scored a 15-minute hat-trick as his side crushed Ecuador 6-1 in their opening Copa America Group B match on...

Argentina striker Javior Saviola scored a 15-minute hat-trick as his side crushed Ecuador 6-1 in their opening Copa America Group B match on Wednesday.

Given a rare start by coach Marcelo Bielsa, the Barcelona player known as 8216;the Rabbit8217; rescued his side between the 64th and 79th minute to give Argentina a convincing win they badly needed to start the tournament.

Cristian Gonzalez had put Argentina ahead with a fifth-minute penalty before Agustin Delgado equalised for Ecuador 17 minutes into the second half. Argentina then hit back with five goals in the final 26 minutes including Saviola8217;s three and one each from Andres D8217;Alessandro and Luis Gonzalez.

Last winners of the Copa America in 1993, Argentina arrived in Peru amid speculation that Bielsa would lose his job if they did not do well.

Bielsa survived Argentina8217;s first round exit at the 2002 World Cup but disappointing performances since have increased the pressure.

His refusal to field Saviola regularly is one of the causes of his unpopularity.

Argentina, with a team blending younger players and the old guard, tore into their opponents and were given the perfect start as Gonzalez fired home from the spot after he was fouled by Giovanny Espinoza.

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It appeared a harsh decision as Gonzalez8217;s legs crumpled following the lightest of touches.

Ecuador goalkeeper Giovanny Ibarra denied Saviola and Andres D8217;Alessandro as Argentina threatened to settle the match before halftime.

However, Ecuador equalised when substitute Delgado picked up a loose ball in midfield, advanced on the Argentine Defence and scored with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Montero salvages draw for Uruguay

CHICLAYO: Uruguay defender Paolo Montero celebrated his international return after a two-year absence by scoring an 88th minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Mexico in Copa America Group B action on Wednesday. The Juventus defender rose above the Mexican defence to head home in his first international since the 2002 World Cup to save ten-man Uruguay from their fifth consecutive defeat. Mexico, themselves needing a good result after some recent lacklustre performances, had gone ahead in the 69th minute when Pavel Pardo scored with a serving, dipping 30-metre shot. Uruguay were reduced to ten men when substitute Richard Morales was sent off in the 80th minute for a challenge on Pardo 8212; just two minutes after coming on for Dario Silva.