BUENOS AIRES - Juan Roman Riquelme scored with two first-half free-kicks as Argentina defeated Chile 2-0 at the Monumental Stadium on Saturday in their opening game in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers.
The Argentinian playmaker has yet to appear for Spanish club Villarreal this season but he underlined his class by firing in the opening goal in the 27th minute and beating goalkeeper Claudio Bravo again on the stroke of half time to put Alfio Basile's side in control.
Chile created few chances and their hopes of rescuing a point were dashed when Cristian Alvarez was sent off nine minutes into the second half after being booked for the second time in a minute.
Basile was delighted with Riquelme's contribution.
"Riquelme is a very good and intelligent player and proved that he is in very good physical condition," said the Argentina coach.
"I'm delighted with the team. We dominated the entire match and if we don't have any injuries, we will use the same starting team (against Venezuela on Tuesday)," he added.
Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa offered no excuses.
"My game plan may not have been the best but Argentina played well and deserved the win," said the ex-Argentina boss. "We have to improve particularly in midfield."
In Montevideo, two-time world champions Uruguay showed no mercy against Bolivia as they strolled to a 5-0 win.
Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Oscar Tabarez's side after four minutes and Diego Forlan struck in the 38th minute before second half goals by Sebastian Abreu, Vicente Sanchez and Carlos Bueno put the game out of reach.
Bolivia offered little resistance and played for more than half the game with only 10 players after defender Ronald Garcia was sent off four minutes before the break.
"Winning at home in our opening game was very important but the five goals doesn't mean a lot. We have won a game," said Tabarez.
Venezuela enjoyed a historic 1-0 triumph against Ecuador in Quito in the biggest surprise of the day.
The hosts created a number of chances but were unable to convert them and paid the price in the 67th minute when Jose Manuel Rey fired a free kick past goalkeeper Daniel Viteri for the only goal of the game.
Finally in Lima, Peru and Paraguay played out a goalless draw.
The opening round of the South American qualifiers will continue on Sunday when Colombia take on Brazil in Bogota.
