Copa America champions Uruguay’s alarming away form continued as they lost for the third successive time, hammered 4-1 by Bolivia at altitude in La Paz in their South American zone 2014 World Cup qualifier.

A hat-trick by Carlos Saucedo and a Gualberto Mojica goal gave the hosts a 4-0 lead, with the Uruguayans’ sole response a goal nine minutes from time by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez in a game played 3,600 metres above sea level.

The defeat, which follows a 4-0 thrashing by Colombia and a 3-0 defeat by Argentina last Friday, saw them drop to fifth spot in the table.

Venezuela moved above them into the fourth and final automatic qualifying spot for the finals with a 1-1 home draw with Ecuador.

Argentina, meanwhile, consolidated their position as leaders with a fine 2-1 win away to Chile.

The damage was done in the first half with goals from Lionel Messi after 27 minutes and Gonzalo Higuain three minutes later.

The win leaves the Argentinians three points clear of Ecuador at the top of the table.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez refused to offer as an excuse the fact his side were missing three of their first-choice defenders, captain Diego Lugano, Diego Godin and Martin Caceres who were all suspended.

Instead the coach, who guided Uruguay to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals and then to the Copa America title last year, said that they had to arrest this slump before they play their next qualifier against Paraguay next March.

“Bolivia were very good and deserved to win,” said Tabarez.

“We have to get out of this situation and we need to work hard on the solution, because obviously things are not good for us at the moment, it is not something we are used to for we have enjoyed some great moments together.”

Results

Bolivia 4 - Uruguay 1
Venezuela 1 - Ecuador 1
Paraguay 1 - Peru 0
Chile 1 - Argentina 2

Note: Top four qualify for the finals with fifth-placed team to face fifth-placed team in Asia in play-off.