Paraguayan referee Ubaldo Aquino awarded five spot kicks and red carded two Argentinians, including coach Marcelo Bielsa, in a thrilling match in what has already proved a compelling tournament.

The result means Argentina will need to get a result in their last Group C match with Uruguay, who earlier beat Ecuador, to be certain of a last eight spot although even third place in the `Group of Death' could be good enough.

Earlier two second-half goals from Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta had put Uruguay on course for a place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory leaving Ecuador all but eliminated.

Zalayeta, who was loaned by the Italian giants to relegated Serie A side Empolilast season, showed just why he is considered the most exciting young talent in Uruguayan football.

The fallen giants of world football badlyneeded this win after losing their Group C opener 1-0 to Colombia while Ecuador know that the grim reaper will almost cer tainly appear after their last match with Colombia.

It was the second half that saw all the significant action. Ecuador made a bright start after the interval and created two good chances with the best falling to Ivan Kaviedes, also based in Italy with Perugia, who hit the side netting from close range although credit must go to Uruguay defender Leonel Pilipauskas who had forced his opponent wide with a timely challenge.

But Uruguay continued to spurn the chances that came their way and also had two good penalty appeals turned down. Finally Zalayeta, seen as the big hope of Uruguayan football, took control of the match with two goals in quick succession.

The first strike came in the 72nd minute as the unmarked striker controlled the ball and scored from close range after racing onto a flick-on from strike partner Gabriel Alvez. The second two minutes later was a glancing header intothe far corner from a Pilipauskas cross.

Ecuador hauled themselves back into the match however from a freekick in the 78th minute. With the Uruguyan wall braced for a shot the ball was instead chipped over the wall and Kaviedes latched onto the ball to score, albeit with a mishit shot.