Hornets wing-back Juan Carlos Paredes played 86 minutes of Ecuador’s 3-2 Copa America defeat to Bolivia last night.

La Tricolor sit bottom of Group A with just one game remaining and their chances of reaching the knockout stages are slim.

They fell behind against Bolivia, who had failed to win a Copa America match in the last five tournaments, in the fifth minute.

Captain Ronald Raldes headed home and Mauricio Soria’s side doubled their lead when Martin Smedberg-Dalence's strike found the net.

Ecuador had the chance to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot shortly before half time when Edward Zenteno pulled down West Ham United striker Enner Valencia in the penalty area.

The striker elected to take the spot kick but saw his effort saved by Romel Quinonez. The missed was compounded as five minutes later Bolivia netted a third as Marcelo Martins dispatched a penalty of his own.

A second half Ecuador fightback was needed. Valencia got them off to the perfect start. He found the net three minutes after the break.

La Tricolor were dominant for much of the second period and grabbed a second goal with nine minutes remaining - through Miller Bolanos - to set up a tense finale.

Paredes was substituted in the final stages for striker Daniel Angulo but Ecuador were unable to find an equaliser.

Paredes’ country finish their group fixtures with a clash against Mexico on Friday.