Bolivia shock Ecuador, near first knockout stage appearance since '97
Bolivia held off a determined second-half fightback from Ecuador to seal the first win of their Copa America campaign at Estadio Elias Figueroa in Valparaiso.
The 1963 champions, who held Mexico to a goalless draw in their opening Group A game, appeared to be coasting to victory thanks to Ronald Raldes' header, Martin Smedberg-Dalence's strike and a penalty from Marcelo Martins.
Ecuador came storming back after the interval with Enner Valencia, who had missed a first-half spot-kick, and Miller Bolanos scoring to set up a tense finale -- but Bolivia held on to claim a 3-2 win.
Ecuador look set for a group stage exit, having also lost to tournament hosts Chile in their opener.
They were immediately on the back foot after falling behind in the fifth minute, when Raldes was given far too much space to plant a free header low into the corner of the net from Smedberg-Dalence's corner.
Mauricio Soria's men -- ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings, 58 places below their opponents -- continued to remain on the front foot and doubled their lead in the 18th minute.
