Santiago: Arturo Vidal and Eduardo Vargas scored second-half goals as Chile defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the opening match of the Copa America here.

Vidal converted a 67th-minute penalty before Vargas put the result beyond doubt six minutes from time after being set up by Alexis Sanchez, Xinhua news agency reported.

Despite keeping the match on even terms for more than an hour on Thursday, Ecuador rarely troubled Claudio Bravo's goal. Chile, meanwhile, provided a constant threat and, if not for Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, could have had the match wrapped up by halftime.

The hosts' attacking intent was evident from the outset in front of a partisan crowd at the Estadio Nacional.  

Veteran playmaker Jorge Valdivia put Sanchez through on goal in the second minute but the Arsenal man fired his shot wide with only the keeper to beat.