Juan Carlos Paredes won his 64th international cap as Ecuador returned to form with an impressive 3-0 victory over Chile in South American preliminary qualification for the World Cup.

The defender, who is not in Watford’s Premier League squad, played the full 90 minutes as his side had the game wrapped up shortly into the second half after Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia scored a 19th-minute opener and provided assists for the next two goals for Cristian Ramirez four minutes later and then Felipe Caicedo a minute after the restart.

The victory leaves Ecuador third in the first phase of qualifying, two points behind Brazil and three adrift of leaders Uruguay ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Bolivia.

Hornets teammate Sebastian Prodl had to settle for the role of unused substitute as Austria twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Wales in Group D of European qualifying.

A brace from Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic cancelled out Joe Allen’s fine opener and an own goal from Tottenham Hotspur's Kevin Wimmer to leave the Austrians third in the table, but as one of four nations on four points.

Austria’s next qualifier is away at one of those countries they are level on points with, Serbia, on Sunday.