Montevideo, June 06 (BDNEWS): Argentina's unbeaten record in the south American world cup qualifiers came to an abrupt end when they lost 2-0 away to Ecuador.
Second half goals from Cristian Lara and Augustin Delgado meant a first defeat in eight games for coach Jose Pekerman's side, although they are still well set for qualification for Germany.
The defeat means that world champions Brazil can close to within one point of their arch-rivals at the top of the group with a win over Paraguay at home on Sunday.
A win for Argentina in Quito would have clinched their qualification for Germany, but they were distinctly second best to Ecuador who previously had beat Brazil 1-0 in Quito in November.
Argentina looked threatening early on despite resting top players for the big game against Brazil, and should have gone ahead when Maximiliano Rodriguez squandered a golden opportunity after just 12 minutes.
But Ecuador gradually took command and were well worth their two second half goals from Lara after 53 minutes and Delgado just before the final whistle.
They are now in third place five points behind Argentina and are poised to qualify for their second successive world cup finals.
BDNEWS/1256 hrs.
