Mexico defeated the champion Brazil in the Copa America in Venezuela with a 2-0 victory. The first goal for Mexico was scored Nery Castillo, the striker of Greek champion Olympiakos, in the 24thminute. Five minutes later Ramon Morales doubled the lead with a 25-yard free kick at which the Brazilian goalkeeper Doni failed to react.

But the real hero of the match was the Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who made a half-dozen excellent saves in the second half.

In the second half Robinho tried to score at least one goal but his shots never were on target. Overall, the Brazilian team seemed helpless without Ronaldinho and Kaka who declined to play the Copa America.

"Against Brazil we had an excellent triumph, but this [the tornament] goes on," Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez said after the game. "And this team has the commitment - not the promise - to keep advancing in the Copa, at least until the semifinals."

In the other match of the day, Chile managed to beat Ecuador in a 3-2 win. Two of three goals were scored by the striker Humberto Suazo.

"I was in debt with the national team," said Chilean hero Suazo, who has scored only four goals in 12 games with Chile.

On Thursday US will play against Argentine in Group C. On Sunday Chile will face reigning champions Brazil while Ecuador will face Mexico.