Morales' goal left Argentina third in Group B

A brilliant Ramon Morales free-kick gave Mexico a shock win over Group B rivals Argentina in the Copa America.

Argentina, who had not lost against Mexico for 14 years, had begun the tournament with a 6-1 demolition of Ecuador but the defeat at the hands of Mexico will increase the pressure on under-fire coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Argentina, now third in the group behind Uruguay and Mexico, never managed to find the flowing football they produced against Ecuador.

Javier Saviola, who scored a hat-trick on Wednesday, produced only fleeting patches of his best form.

Argentina made a bright start but were stunned in the ninth minute when Morales opened the scoring with a swerving free-kick that flew into the top corner past helpless goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.

The goal unsettled the Argentines, who resorted to some rough tackling to halt the Mexican counter-attacks.

Jesus Arellano, in particular, was a menace to the Argentines almost every time he got the ball.

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

Mexico had an excellent chance to increase their lead just before half-time when Jared Borgetti was first to Pavel Pardo's free-kick but his header was weak and easily saved.

Almost immediately at the other end, Argentine striker Cesar Delgado popped up unmarked on the right to meet a floated cross from Andres D'Alessandro but he fired his effort over the crossbar.

Argentina took control after half-time, forcing a flurry of corners in the first quarter of an hour.

They were twice denied by goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez, who blocked a shot by Luis Gonzalez and then brilliantly pushed away Roberto Ayala's header following a corner.

But Argentina could not find an equaliser and now face a crucial third game against current leaders Uruguay on 13 July.

Uruguay 2-1 Ecuador

Bueno set up a crunch final game against Argentina in Group C

Carlos Bueno stabbed home a 79th-minute goal to give Uruguay victory over Ecuador in Group B.

Manchester United striker Diego Forlan put Uruguay ahead just after the hour mark with an incisive run and shot from outside the box.

However, Ecuador hit back when Ulises de la Cruz's cross created confusion in the penalty area and substitute Franklin Salas smacked home the equaliser from close range.

But just six minutes later, Uruguay were back in front.

Ecuador keeper Oswaldo Ibarra fumbled a shot from Vicente Sanchez and Bueno was quickest to the loose ball.

It was no more than Uruguay deserved, despite a much-improved performance from Ecuador, who were thrashed 6-1 by Argentina in their opening game.