Euro 2016 qualifier: Big guns fall silent

Montevideo (Argentina): Argentina slumped to a shock home defeat against Ecuador while Brazil were beaten 0-2 by Chile on Thursday as upsets dominated the opening round of South America’s qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

A star-studded Argentina side, missing the inspiration of injured captain Lionel Messi, struggled to find a way through a disciplined Ecuador in a lackustre game at the Estadio Monumental.

The tone for a miserable night for Argentina had been set early on, when Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was stretchered off the field with what looked like a serious hamstring injury.

The game appeared to be heading for a 0-0 draw entering the final 10 minutes before Ecuador secured a breakthrough from a Frickson Erazo header that fired the minnows into a 1-0 lead.

Moments later Antonio Valencia burst down the right flank and fed for Felipe Caicedo, who slotted home past Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero for 2-0. Brazil meanwhile — also missing their talismanic presence with captain Neymar serving a suspension — were undone 0-2 by goals from Chile stars Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez in Santiago.