For the first time in history, Venezuela have defeated Argentina, snatching a 1-0 win in World Cup 2014 qualifying in Caracas. Fernando Amorebieta, a Venezuelan-born and Basque-raised central defender, scored the winner on a set piece in just his second appearance for his native country. Argentina were poor on the night, with only goalkeeper Mariano Andujar playing up to the Albiceleste's high standards, and Venezuela could have easily won by more than one goal.
Venezuela Vs. Argentina, CONMEBOL World Cup 2014 Qualifying: Full Time, Venezuela Snatch Famous Win In Caracas
The goal came in the 61st minute for the Athletic Bilbao star, with Juan Arango of Borussia Mönchengladbach assisting on a corner kick. Arango was brilliant on the night, and created a number of scoring chances for himself and others both from open play and set pieces. Andujar made a couple of brilliant second half saves to deny him a goal, keeping Argentina's hopes at points alive for the entire match.
Lionel Messi was not at his best, while slightly harsher words are probably deserved for those around him. Gonzalo Higuain looked nothing like the player who scored a hat trick against Chile, while both Angel di Maria and Jose Ernesto Sosa were poor on the night. Ever Banega and Javier Pastore came into the game late to try and inject some creativity, but neither was able to make a serious impact.
For Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella, it's back to the drawing board. Martin Demichelis hasn't looked like a national team player in years, and his place in the starting lineup was suspect. Jose Ernesto Torres didn't look like a national team player either, and 21-year-old Marcos Rojo doesn't look like he's up to this level of competition at this point in his career.
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