A nice red wine (or "vino tinto") could be the right medicine to end Argentina's woes in the 2019 Copa América.
History shows us that La Albiceleste has dominated their opponents from later today in the South American tournament, with nothing but victories for the two-time World Champions.
While some believe that this generation of Venezuelan players might have what it takes to bump La Albiceleste out of the competition, this team will also have to battle history when they enter Maracaná Stadium to try and pull one of the biggest upsets in the history of this competition.
Argentina and Venezuela have met five times in Copa América games. The first one took place in 1967, where La Albiceleste claimed a 5-1 win.
Eight years later, the Argentine side faced Venezuela twice in the Group Stage of the tournament, claiming a 5-1 away win and a whopping 11-0 victory at home. That game represents the second biggest win of all time for Argentina.
It would take 16 years to see Argentina go face-to-face against Venezuela, and the outcome was by no means different. Their first round match of the 1991 edition concluded in a 3-0 win for La Albiceleste. Legendary goalscorers Gabriel Batistuta and Claudio Caniggia scored the goals for the team then-coached by Alfio Basile.
The last clash between these teams took place in the Quarterfinal stage of the Copa América Centenario, three years ago. Argentina managed to beat Venezuela with a 4-1 score, thanks to a brace by Gonzalo Higuaín, a second-half goal by Lionel Messi and one more strike by Erik Lamela. Salomón Rondón scored the consolation goal for La Vinotinto.
So, there you have it. After five games, 28 goals scored and only three goals conceded, Argentina will step into the Maracaná with a reputation to uphold. Will Venezuela pull off a shocking win and make it to the semi-finals for the second time ever?
