Miguel Villanta, Juan Carlos Marino and Paolo Guerrero were on target in the Metropolitano Stadium as Peru shocked their opponents, considered by many as dark horses for the prestigious tournament taking place in Venezuela.

The Uruguayans, missing Alvaro Recoba after the Internazionale forward was ruled out with a muscle problem, began the stronger of the two sides and Villarreal striker Diego Forlan squandered two good chances to open the scoring.

But it was the Incas who struck first as defender Miguel Villanta powered home a header from Juan Carlos Marino's corner after 26 minutes to give the Peruvians a narrow half-time lead.

Manager Oscar Tabarez brought on Diego Rodriguez and Sebastian Abreu during the interval in a bid to make Uruguay more of an attacking threat and the duo combined after 66 minutes to hand the former a great chance to level, only for Rodriguez to waste the opening.

Peru were looking to kill their opponents off and Martino doubled the lead three minutes later with a beautiful long-range strike that found the corner of the net.

And two minutes from the end, Uruguay were hit on the counter as they desperately searched for a way back into the contest.

Julio Cesar Uribe led the breakaway before setting up Hamburg forward Paolo Guerrero to put the result beyond any doubt.

In Tuesday's other game Bolivia twice came from behind to gatecrash Venezuela's opening celebrations as the hosts were held to an exciting 2-2 draw in their Group A opener.

Argentine legend Diego Armando Maradona, Venezuela President Hugo Chavez and Bolivia President Evo Morales kicked off the tournament in front of 43,000 fans at the Pueblo Nuevo stadium in San Cristobal.

But it was the Bolivians who had the last word as Juan Carlos Arce silenced the crowd with a second equaliser seven minutes from the end.

Bolivia had the better of the early exchanges but could not fashion any chances dangerous enough to threaten Venezuelan goalkeeper Ronnie Vega.

The hosts had the first attempt on target as Fernando De Ornelas' long range shot was well held by Bolivian keeper Galarza before opening the scoring after 20 minutes when midfielder Giancarlo Maldonado found the back of the net from inside the box.

However, Erwin Sanchez's side pulled level after 39 minutes when Jaime Moreno escaped the attentions of the Venezuelan defence before unleashing a shot that deflected in off Alejandro Cichero's leg.

Man of the match Ricardo Paez put Venezuela back in front in the 55th minute with a classy finish and Richard Paez's men then spurned a number of opportunities to extend their lead.

And they were made to pay for their profligacy after 83 minutes when Corinthians' young striker Juan Carlos Arce applied the finish to Gonzalo Galindo's pass.

AFP adds: "These players are starting to change the course of Peruvian soccer," Peru coach Julio Cesar said.

"But we need to keep displaying the same professionalism and keep things simple. We have won an important game but there is still plenty of work to do.

"I am convinced that my team can play a lot better."