Uruguay get off the mark in Copa America

Uruguay's footballer Vicente Sanchez, on the shoulders of Diego Perez, is congratulated by his teammates Ignacio Gonzalez(L) and Maximiliano Pereira(R) after scoring against Bolivia in San Cristobal, Venezuela, during their Copa America 2007 first round match. Sanchez struck from close range to hand Uruguay a precious 1-0 win over Bolivia, and a lifeline in group A of the Copa America on Saturday.

Striker Vicente Sanchez struck from close range to hand Uruguay a precious 1-0 win over Bolivia, and a lifeline in group A of the Copa America on Saturday.

Uruguay had been tipped to go through to the latter stages but their campaign started disastrously when they were hammered 3-0 by dark horses Peru in their opener.

Sanchez gave his side hope for their first win of the tournament when he stole in to poke a loose ball home past Bolivia keeper Sergio Galarza in the 59th minute.

Bolivia were largely outplayed, however they rallied in the closing stages and were ultimately unlucky not to come away with a share of the points.

Second half substitute Sacha Lima almost struck a late equaliser, but Uruguay keeper Fabian Carini dived dramatically to parry his 91st minute drive.

Peru still top the group, while Uruguay move up to second place.