Argentina were brought back to reality after suffering their first ever defeat to Venezuela.
South American heavyweights Argentina suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to Venezuela in the second round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Puerto La Cruz on Tuesday. Los Albicelestes returned to their old ways, not playing even close to the way they did against Chile four days ago, when they won 4-1.
For Venezuela, it was a historic achievement because it was the first time that they had beaten Argentina in an official match, with the Argentines having won all eighteen encounters between the sides up until now.
The only goal of the match was scored by Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta in the 62nd minute. Venezuela, who are the only country from South America to have never qualified for a World Cup, were well worth their win.
Argentina, who had Martin Demichelis and Javier Mascherano back in their side, struggled early on, as Venezuela took the initiative, creating a couple of decent opportunities to take the lead. But they were kept at bay by Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, who looked very secure between the posts.
The closest either of the two teams came to getting in front was late in the first half, when Andujar was made to stretch to push out a powerful Juan Arango free-kick.
Arango was Venezuela's main danger man, and once again he had a free-kick well saved by Andujar, but this time in the second half.
Despite playing well below his potential, now and again Messi caused the Venezuela defense some problems. However, when he did reach the Venezuela area he was kept out by the heroics of Renny Vega.
When the match was beginning to lack emotion, Amorebieta connected to an inch-perfect corner from Arango with a fine header that beat Andujar.
From then on, it was one-way traffic, as Venezuela went looking for a second goal that could have easily arrived had they been more accurate with their finishing.
Alejandro Sabella brought on Rodrigo Palacio and Javier Pastore in an attempt to rescue a point, however, both players hardly managed to get into the game.
Argentina had no response what-so-ever, and should be glad that they were not beaten by a greater difference.
For Venezuela, it was a historic achievement because it was the first time that they had beaten Argentina in an official match, with the Argentines having won all eighteen encounters between the sides up until now.
The only goal of the match was scored by Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta in the 62nd minute. Venezuela, who are the only country from South America to have never qualified for a World Cup, were well worth their win.
Argentina, who had Martin Demichelis and Javier Mascherano back in their side, struggled early on, as Venezuela took the initiative, creating a couple of decent opportunities to take the lead. But they were kept at bay by Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, who looked very secure between the posts.
The closest either of the two teams came to getting in front was late in the first half, when Andujar was made to stretch to push out a powerful Juan Arango free-kick.
Arango was Venezuela's main danger man, and once again he had a free-kick well saved by Andujar, but this time in the second half.
Despite playing well below his potential, now and again Messi caused the Venezuela defense some problems. However, when he did reach the Venezuela area he was kept out by the heroics of Renny Vega.
When the match was beginning to lack emotion, Amorebieta connected to an inch-perfect corner from Arango with a fine header that beat Andujar.
From then on, it was one-way traffic, as Venezuela went looking for a second goal that could have easily arrived had they been more accurate with their finishing.
Alejandro Sabella brought on Rodrigo Palacio and Javier Pastore in an attempt to rescue a point, however, both players hardly managed to get into the game.
Argentina had no response what-so-ever, and should be glad that they were not beaten by a greater difference.
