Saviola was in sparkling form

Striker Javier Saviola scored a hat-trick in 15 minutes as the tournament favourites made light work of Group B rivals Ecuador.

Argentina were held at 1-1 was muchof the match until their second-half burst.

They took the lead through Cristian Gonzalez after five minutes before former Southampton striker Agustin Delgado came off the bench in the 61st minute to equalise.

Then Saviola took centre-stage to put Argentina back in the lead three minutes later.

He added another two in the 74th and 79th minutes. Andres D'Alessandro and Luis Gonzalez also scored to complete the rout.

Uruguay 2-2 Mexico

Montero was Uruguay's saviour

Paolo Montero's 88th minute header rescued a draw for 10-man Uruguay against Mexico in the opening game of Group B at the Copa America.

The Uruguayans were reduced to 10 men when substitute Richard Morales was red-carded 10 minutes from time for a foul on Pavel Pardo.

GROUP B 1. Argentina 3pts 2. Mexico 1pt 3. Uruguay 1pt 4. Ecuador 0pts Remaining fixtures: 10 July: Ecuador v Uruguay 10 July: Argentina v Mexico 13 July: Mexico v Ecuador 13 July: Argentina v Uruguay

Manchester United forward Diego Forlan had missed a couple of chances before Uruguay finally went ahead five minutes from half-time through Carlos Bueno.

Mexico equalised shortly after when Uruguay goalkeeper Luis Barbat misjudged a cross from Ricardo Osorio and allowed the ball to drop into the net.

Pardo then put Mexico 2-1 ahead in the 69th minute with a stunning shot from 25 yards, before Montero's late cameo.