Goals by Nery Castillo and Omar Bravo in the 22nd and 80th minutes, respectively, gave Mexico (2-0-0, 6 Points) a 2:0 lead. Edison Méndez got Ecuador (0-2-0, 0 Points) on the board with five minutes remaining, but the tricolor held on for the victory.
In the other Group B match on Sunday in Maturín, three goals by Robinho led Brazil (1-1-0, 3 Points) to a 3:0 win over Chile (1-1-0, 3 Points).
The 2007 Copa América continues for the CONCACAF teams on Monday with Group C action as the USA (0-1-0, 0 Points) meets Paraguay (1-0-0, 3 Points) at the Estadio Agustin Tovar in Barinas, Venezuela at 18:35.
At the conclusion of the first round on 5 July, the top two from each group along side the two best third-place finishers will progress to the quarterfinals from 7-8 July.
The semifinals will take place in Maraciabo & Puerto Ordaz on 10 & 11 July, respectively. The third-place match is scheduled for Caracas on 14 July, with the championship match set for the following day in Maraciabo.
Copa America - Venezuela 2007
Group B
01.07.2007: Maturín; Estadio Monumental (A: 42000)
MEXICO - ECUADOR 2:1 (1:0)
Nery CASTILLO 22'; Omar BRAVO 80' - Edison MéNDEZ 85'
MEX: Oswaldo Sánchez - Jonny Magallón, Fausto Pinto, Rafael Márquez, Israel Castro, Gerardo Torrado, Jaime Correa, Ramón Morales (83: Gonzalo Pineda), Juan Carlos Cacho (64: Omar Bravo), Fernando Arce, Nery Castillo (78: Cuauhtémoc Blanco). Booked: none
TD: Hugo SANCHEZ
EDU: Christian Mora - Iván Hurtado, Ulises de la Cruz, Edison Méndez, Christian Benítez, Alejandro Castillo, Oscar Bagüi (72: Walter Ayovi), Luis Valencia, Giovanni Espinoza, Edwin Tenorio (46: Neicer Reasco), Carlos Tenorio (79: Felix Borja). Booked: I. Hurtado 24'
TD: Luis Fernando SUAREZ
R: René ORTUBé (BOL)
04.07.2007: Puerto La Cruz; Estadio General José Anzoatégui (18:35)
MEXICO - CHILE
Group C
02.07.2007: Barinas; Estadio Agustin Tovar (18:35)
USA - PARAGUAY
05.07.2007: Barquisimeto; Estadio Metropolitano (20:50)
COLOMBIA - USA
Photo from femexfut.org.mx
