Saviola stars as Ecuador hit for six

Argentina 6 Ecuador 1

Barcelona striker Javier Saviola grabbed a hat-trick as Argentina thrashed Ecuador 6-1 in a Group B clash of the Copa America in Chiclayo.

Saviola completed his treble in a 15-minute second-half spell after the tournament favourites were stunned when Agustin Delgado levelled for Ecuador in the 61st minute.

Kily Gonzalez had put Argentina ahead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute and they cruised through the first half.

After Ecuador’s surprise equaliser Saviola went to work netting in the 64th, 74th and 79th minutes.

Andres D’Alessandro and Luis Gonzalez were also on target in the last five minutes to complete the rout for Argentina, who had Manchester United new boy Gabriel Heinze at the heart of their defence.

Earlier Old Trafford teammate Diego Forlan wasted several good chances as Uruguay drew 2-2 with Mexico.

Paolo Montero’s header in the 88th minute rescued a draw for 10-man Uruguay after substitute Richard Morales was red-carded 10 minutes from time for a bad foul on Pavel Pardo.

Pardo had put Mexico 2-1 ahead in the 69th minute with a superb shot from 25 yards that looked to have sealed the victory.

Forlan had missed a couple of chances before Uruguay finally went ahead five minutes before the break through Carlos Bueno.

But Mexico equalised in first-half injury time when Uruguay goalkeeper Luis Barbat misjudged a cross from Ricardo Osorio and allowed the ball to drop into the net.