Riquelme’s brace in Argentina’s march to last 8

Argentina thrashed Colombia 4-2 and Paraguay overcame the USA 3-1 to claim berths in the Copa America quarter finals yesterday and set up an exciting Group C decider.

Argentina thrashed Colombia 4-2 and Paraguay overcame the USA 3-1 to claim berths in the Copa America quarter finals yesterday and set up an exciting Group C decider. The results were also good news for host Venezuela, who advanced to the last eight for the first time ever as, at worst, one of the two best third-place finishers.

Venezuela, leading Group A, could win it when they play Uruguay in Merida. Led by Juan Roman Riquelme’s two first-half goals — one on a header in the 33rd minute and then a curving free kick over a Colombian wall just before the whistle — Argentina resumed the offensive play that allowed it to breeze past the USA in their opening match.

But the victory may have cost the Albiceleste the services of Hernan Crespo. The Inter Milan striker left the match limping on his right leg after converting a penalty goal in the 21st. Diego Milito converted Argentina’s fourth goal in injury time. For Colombia, Edixon Perea scored the game’s opening goal off a penalty, and Jaime Castrillon closed the deficit to 3-2.

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Paraguay had fewer chances than a more aggressive USA, but executed better in Barinas. Unlike the cautious play they exhibited during their 4-1 opening defeat against Argentina, the Americans dominated possession.

A sharp pass through two defenders from Oscar Cardozo set up Edgar Barreto’s goal in the 30th before the US equalised with their first natural goal in the tournament – the other against Argentina was a penalty — when Taylor Twellman knocked down a deep ball, and with his back to the net, one-touched to Ricardo Clark, who buried a shot past a diving Justo Villar inside the near post.

Cardozo then put Paraguay ahead after stealing a slow clearing roll in front of the net at the start of the second half. Substitute Salvador Cabanas scored his third straight goal off the bench with a free kick.