Vidal and Vargas lead Chile to opening Copa victory

Chile's Arturo Vidal celebrates after scoring on a penalty kick against Ecuador during the opening match of the Copa America 2015 soccer tournament in the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, June 11, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SANTIAGO - Second-half goals from Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas gave hosts Chile a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the opening match of the Copa America on Thursday.

Vidal scored from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after being pulled down by Miller Bolanos before Vargas latched on to a pass from Alexis Sanchez to double Chile's lead with a low right-foot shot six minutes from time.

Ecuador's best chance came from an Enner Valencia header that bounced back off the crossbar with the score still at 1-0.

Despite their victory, the Chileans created very little for much of the tie and will need to improve if they are realize their hope of a first Copa America title at the 37th attempt.

They face Mexico in their next match on Monday.

The Mexicans take on Bolivia on Friday in their Group A opener before heavyweights Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, the defending champions, get their campaigns underway over their weekend.