Football overshadows problems at Copa America

PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela, June 29 (Reuters) The Copa America took a breather today after an opening three days which produced shock results, attacking football and the impressive tally of 24 goals in 6 games.

With all 12 teams having made their debuts, there have been almost no refereeing controversies and a refreshing absence of injury-feigning and gamesmanship.

The main problems have been off the pitch where the organisers' ambitious plans to spread the tournament around nine venues -- including three brand new stadiums -- appeared to backfire.

On Monday, the South American Football Confederation (CSF), ordered the first semi-final on July 10 to be switched from Caracas to Maracaibo, at two weeks' notice, on security grounds.

Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico were unable to train at the Camachay stadium in Puerto Ordaz on the eve of Wednesday's Group B games because the finishing touches were still being put to the arena.

Meanwhile, the Anzoategui stadium in Puerto La Cruz, due to host two Group B games next Wednesday, is surrounded by a sea of mud, with two cranes still in place and building materials scattered around.

But the view for those watching on television is of modern stadiums, top-quality pitches, good attendances and excellent football.

Mexico produced the high spot with their shock 2-0 win over Brazil thanks to a sublime effort from Nery Castillo and a 30-metre free kick from Ramon Morales.

They were also helped by an outstanding second-half performance from goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who thwarted Brazil with a string of saves.

PARTY POOPERS To cap it all, Castillo provided a candidate for miss of the tournament when he ran half the length of the pitch, rounded Brazil goalkeeper Doni -- and shot wide of the open goal.

Peru also stunned the pundits with their 3-0 win over Uruguay in Tuesday's opening game while Roque Santa Cruz, a bit part player with Bayern Munich, hit a hat-trick as Paraguay trounced Colombia 5-0 in Maracaibo yesterday.

Chile produced the most impressive fightback, twice coming from behind before beating Ecuador 3-2 with an 87th minute free kick from substitute Carlos Villanueva.

''We're a good team that sometimes plays well,'' said coach Nelson Acosta. ''We didn't have a good game but we muddled through.'' Bolivia also came from behind twice to hold hosts Venezuela 2-2 in Thursday's other match.

Favourites Argentina duly thumped the United States 4-1 in Maracaibo yesterday, although for more than an hour they struggled against a packed defence.

The US, who like Mexico take part by invitation, proved very much to be the party poopers.

Not only did they bring a second-string line-up but, unlike any of the other 11 teams, they packed nine or ten players behind the ball and made no real attempt to win the game.

Reuters RS GC2153