BUENOS AIRES (REUTERS) – Argentina scored twice in three minutes late within the second half, together with a curiously mis-hit effort from Lionel Messi, to cement a 3-0 win over Venezuela in Friday’s (March 25) World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.
Argentina had already certified for Qatar 2022 earlier than the sport and have been on prime all through in opposition to the last-placed facet within the South American qualifying group and the one one of many 10 South American sides by no means to achieve the World Cup finals.
They received the breakthrough their strain deserved 10 minutes earlier than half-time when Nicolas Gonzalez knocked dwelling Rodrigo de Paul’s inviting low cross from six metres out.
Substitute Angel di Maria scored a beautiful second in 79 minutes when he ran on to a by move from de Paul after which chipped the ball over three Venezuelan defenders from exterior the field.
Messi himself received the third three minutes later when he chested down a di Maria move earlier than sclaffing the ball previous a helpless goalkeeper, Wuilker Farinez.
“We are very happy,” stated de Paul. “We love enjoying on this shirt. The smartest thing about this group is that it treats each recreation as a remaining.
“This is what it’s all about. Never letting up.”
The defeat was Venezuela’s tenth of their final 12 video games and the win prolonged Argentina’s unbeaten run below coach Lionel Scaloni to 30 video games going again to July 2019.
The dwelling facet, who have been with out 4 gamers suspended for breaching Covid-19 quarantine guidelines forward of September’s suspended recreation in opposition to Brazil, have by no means misplaced to Venezuela in eight dwelling qualifiers.
The two-time world champions and present Copa America winners will probably be joined in Qatar by Brazil, Ecuador and Uruguay, whereas Peru, Colombia and Chile are battling for fifth place and a play-off spot in opposition to a crew from the Asian confederation.
The remaining spherical of video games takes place subsequent Tuesday.
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The post Football: Messi scores on Argentina return in 3-0 win over Venezuela first appeared on Umorr.
