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

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

Brazil meanwhile – also missing their talismanic presence with captain Neymar serving a suspension – were undone by goals from Chile stars Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez in Santiago.