Colombia have beaten fellow Copa América rivals Ecuador 3-1 in an international friendly warm-up match on Saturday as both teams prepare for the Copa América 2007 Finals in Venezuela, which kicks-off on Tuesday.

Ecuador midfielder Walter Ayovi opened the scoring in the first minute with a precise free-kick from the Club Deportivo El Nacional man, with Colombia levelling before half-time with a strike from Hugo Rodallega in the 16th minute.

Paris St Germain defender Mario Yepes gave Colombia the lead with 15 minutes to play, with 23-year-old Bordeaux forward Edixon Perea sealing the win minutes later.

But despite the win, Colombian manager Jorge Pinto thinks that there is plenty of space for improvement. Speaking after the match, Pinto said: "We have to correct some things."

Luis Suarez, manager of Ecuador, admitted that Colombia was the better side, saying: "they had larger volume in the attack."

The Copa América will take place in Venezuela between the June 26 and the July 15.

Colombia have been drawn in Group C in the tournament, alongside Argentina, the United States and Paraguay.

Ecuador have been drawn in Group B, with Brazil, Mexico and Bolivia.

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