Ecuador beats Venezuela, 2-0

Published Oct. 7, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Jaime Ayovi and Christian Benitez scored to give Ecuador a 2-0 win over Venezuela on Friday in the opening game of South American World Cup qualifying for both countries.

Ayovi scored in the 14th minute and Benitez added another 13 minutes later.

Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda played an attacking game, taking advantage of the thin air in Quito, which is 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level.

Venezuela finished fourth in this year's Copa America, the surprise team of the continental championship.

Ecuador plays a friendly on Tuesday against the United States, and Venezuela faces Argentina the same day in another World Cup qualifier.

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Lineups:

Ecuador: Maximo Banguera, Juan Carlos Paredes, Jairo Campos, Fricson Erazo, Walter Ayovi, Cristian Noboa (Michael Arroyo 76) Luis Fernando Saritama, Antonio Valencia, Cristian Suarez (Alex Bolanos 68), Christian Benitez (Edison Mendez 82), Jaime Ayovi.

Venezuela: Renny Vega, Jose Velazquez, Franklin Lucena, Jose Manuel Rey, Jose Luis Granados, Giacomo di Giorgi, Francisco Flores (Angel Flores 57), Luis Manuel Seijas, Jesus Meza, Giancarlo Maldonado (Frank Feltscher 72), Fernando Aristeguieta (Alejandro Moreno 45).