Venezuela vs Argentina (0-2)
Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were not of course for Venezuela vs Argentina as they cut down Venezuela 2-0 to line up a savory Copa America semi-final against hosts Brazil.
Martinez’s inevitable tenth-minute end was his sixth goal in 10 international appearances, and due reward as Lionel Scaloni’s men created a speedy begin.
The light throughout the last half, however, Lo Celso capitalized upon miscalculation from Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez to resolve matters at the Maracana – the sports stadium wherever Argentina lost the 2014 tournament final to the European nation.
It suggests that Lionel Messi’s ambitions of a first international title stay not off course, with Argentina’s bitterest rivals currently standing in his means.
Martinez displayed his burgeoning understanding with Sergio Aguero in an attack by taking part in within the Manchester town striker with a deft early pass – Farinez saving along with his feet.
The set-piece deliveries of Messi and Leandro Paredes were inflicting Venezuela issues and, once Associate in Nursing unmarked German Pezzella ought to have opened the grading, Martinez punctually did.
The inhume star regenerate a beautiful backheel from Aguero’s miscued shot and quickfire bookings for captain Tomas Rincon and fellow midfielder Yangel Herrera shortly subsequently recommended Venezuela were losing their disposition.
John Chancellor hopped-up over an opportunity to equalize within the fortieth minute, though Rafael Dudamel’s aspect required a superb clearance from Roberto plant order to stop Martinez from surrendering a second once slick interaction between Messi and Marcos Acuna.
Martinez crashed against the rear post once Paredes unpicked Venezuela with a luxurious 48th-minute pass.
Dudamel with boldness sent on jock Yeferson Soteldo for center-back Luis Del Pino and Argentina were forced to soak up sustained pressure for the first time within the contest.
Goals
| 10′ | Argentina | L. Martinez |
| 74′ | Argentina | G. Lo Celso |
Venezuela Lineups
| 1 | Wuilker Faríñez |
| 20 | Ronald Hernández |
| 4 | Jhon Chancellor |
| 14 | Luis Mago |
| 16 | Roberto Rosales |
| 5 | Júnior Moreno |
| 15 | Jhon Murillo |
| 6 | Yangel Herrera |
| 8 | Tomás Rincón |
| 7 | Darwin Machís |
| 23 | Salomón Rondón |
Argentina Lineups
| 1 | Franco Armani |
| 2 | Juan Foyth |
| 6 | Germán Pezzella |
| 17 | Nicolás Otamendi |
| 3 | Nicolás Tagliafico |
| 16 | Rodrigo De Paul |
| 5 | Leandro Paredes |
| 8 | Marcos Acuña |
| 10 | Lionel Messi |
| 9 | Sergio Agüero |
| 22 | Lautaro Martínez |
Venezuela vs Argentina Match Statistics
Venezuela |
Argentina |
|
| 6 | Shots Total | 17 |
| 1 | Shots on goal | 7 |
| 2 | Shots off goal | 7 |
| 3 | Shots blocked | 3 |
| 3 | Shots inside box | 11 |
| 3 | Shots outside box | 6 |
| 16 | Fouls | 15 |
| 8 | Corners | 7 |
| 1 | Offsides | 1 |
| 5 | Saves | 1 |
| 59% | Possession Time | 41% |
| 436 | Passes Total | 298 |
| 355 | Accurate Passes | 229 |
| 81% | Accurate Passes% | 77% |