Iran Press/ America: Argentina had already qualified for Qatar before Friday’s game and were on top throughout against the last-placed side in the South American qualifying group and the only one of the 10 South American sides never to reach the World Cup finals.
Argentina started the game slow until the hosts finally figured a way through. It was midfielder Rodrigo De Paul who pushed forward unmarked into space and delivered the cross that led to the opening goal by Gonzalez. The Fiorentina forward was crashing the box to meet the service in the 36th minute.
De Paul, who along with Messi and Di Maria was a standout for the winning team, delivered the pass for the second goal and Di Maria did the rest. He danced around the Venezuelan defenders and chipped the goalkeeper, who was well off his line. Moments later, Di Maria combined on a give-and-go with his PSG teammate Messi to get the Argentina captain his goal and the team's third.
Argentina, which extended its unbeaten streak to 30 matches, has two qualifying matches remaining in Ecuador (Tuesday) and makeup against Brazil (date to be determined). Venezuela is a lock to finish in last place in the standings, closing out their qualifying campaign on Tuesday against Colombia.
216
Read more:
Brazil v Argentina World Cup qualifier to be replayed
