SANTIAGO: Mexico snatched a pulsating 3-3 draw with Chile, while Bolivia downed Ecuador in a five-goal thriller as the Copa America laid on a feast of attacking football on Monday.

A dramatic day of action in Group A saw Bolivia secure their first win in the tournament in 18 years with a 3-2 victory over Ecuador before an epic battle between Chile and Mexico.

Chile looked to have booked their place in the quarter-finals after two goals from Arturo Vidal helped them into a 3-2 lead. But a 66th-minute equaliser from Vicente Vuoso, his second of the match, earned a share of the points for Mexico.

Bolivia, who have a formidable record when playing at home in the thin air of La Paz, secured their first victory on foreign soil in a competitive match in 20 years when they beat Ecuador. The win was also Bolivia’s first in the Copa America since 1997, and means they are now firmly in contention to qualify for the second round.

Bolivia assured themselves of victory in the opening 45 minutes, punishing a series of mistakes by Ecuador to race into a 3-0 lead. Veteran captain Ronald Raldes opened the scoring, taking advantage of poor marking by Ecuador to stoop low and head home a corner from Swedish-born midfielder Martin Smedberg-Dalence in the fifth minute. Smedberg-Dalence turned goalscorer in the 18th minute to put Bolivia 2-0 up. Marcelo Martins made it 3-0 from the spot.

Valencia struck early in the second half to give his side hope and Bolanos lashed in a stunning 25-yard effort on 81 minutes to set up a frantic finale. But Bolivia keeper Quinonez was equal to the onslaught as the minnows held on for a famous win.