Chile beat Brazil in opening 2018 World Cup qualifier

Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez scored second-half goals as Chile overcame Brazil 2-0 in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Vargas struck in the 72nd minute with a first-time volley that slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Jefferson after Mauricio Isla's free-kick on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Sanchez then put the result beyond doubt at the Estadio Nacional stadium by playing a one-two with Arturo Vidal and drawing Jefferson off his line before firing into an unguarded net.

"It's an important step because Brazil have a great record against us in World Cup qualifiers," Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli said.

"On a personal level it's a great feeling because I had never beaten Brazil before tonight. To beat a five-time World Cup champion is a a big result for Chile."

In Buenos Aires, Frickson Erazo and Felipe Caicedo were on target as Ecuador surprised Argentina with a 2-0 win at the Monumental stadium.

In a hapless night for the hosts, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was carried off on a stretcher in the 24th minute with an apparent hamstring injury.

In other South American zone qualifiers on Thursday, Uruguay won 2-0 away to Bolivia, Colombia beat Peru 2-0 at home and hosts Venezuela lost 1-0 to Paraguay.