Argentina resumed its World Cup qualification campaign with an impressive win over Venezuela.
Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the first-half stoppage time. Joaquin Correa scored the second goal, followed by Angel Correa who scored his side’s third. Venezuela got a consolation goal from the penalty spot late in the game.
Argentina dominates the game
Venezuelan defender José Velázquez was subbed off in the 25th minute with an injury. As a result, Adrian Martinez replaced the injured defender.
However, Martinez fouled Lionel Messi in the 32nd minute and received a straight red card for it.
The substitute defender went full stud on the Argentine’s shin. As a result, Venezuela was reduced to 10 men.
Giovanni lo Celso played a sweet through ball behind the Venezuelan defense. Lautaro Martinez picked lo Celso’s ball and slotted it for the opener in first-half stoppage time. As a result, Argentina led the game 1-0 at the end of the first half.
Joaquin Correa doubled the lead in the 71st minute after a neat interchange with Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez.
Meanwhile, Angel Correa scored the side’s third goal in the 74th minute. Correa made a darting run into the Venezuelan box. Joaquin Correa picked his teammate’s run with an incisive pass. The Atletico Madrid forward then played a cut back to Lautaro Martinez who hit the ball first-time. Amazingly, the Venezuelan goalkeeper saved Martinez’s effort. However, Angel Correa slotted in the rebound after continuing his run.
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Venezuela’s Yeferson Soteldo was fouled towards the end of the match in Argentina’s penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was given. Soteldo converted the penalty, giving a consolation goal for Venezuela in stoppage time.
Argentina dominated the ball for the entire game. The South American champions had the ball 73% of the match. As a result, they had more efforts on goal.
Argentina is in a strong position
Argentina won their fourth game of the qualifying campaign. The Albiceleste with this victory has 15 points from 7 games. As a result, they stay in second place on the table. And are yet to lose a game. Meanwhile, Brazil top the table with 21 points from seven games.
Peru holds Uruguay
Elsewhere, Peru held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw. With the draw, Peru moved as high as ninth place on the table with five points.
As a result, Venezuela is rooted at the bottom of the table with 4 points.
Venezuela faces Peru in a bottom-of-the-table clash next week.
Meanwhile, Argentina takes on Brazil next week in a mouth-watering fixture in a top-of-the-table clash. It is worth noting, Brazil is yet to drop points in the qualification campaign.
