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Saturday, Jun 30, 2007
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Argentina outguns United States

Crespo plays a stellar role in improving Argentina’s record

MARACAIBO (Venezuela): Hernan Crespo’s two goals led Argentina comfortably past the United States 4-1 in Copa America soccer on Thursday.

The U.S. successfully defended the Gold Cup on Sunday.

But only four from that home final played on Thursday, two as second-half replacements, and they were easily outgunned by Argentina which brought many of its stars to Venezuela.

Still, the Americans, started strong with a goal from a penalty.

A foul from behind on Eddie Johnson by defender Gabriel Milito set up a penalty shot that Johnson converted low and to the right of Argentina goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri after nine minutes.

Argentina reacted immediately when midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme lobbed a two-touch free-kick over a U.S. wall that was deflected by ’keeper Kasey Keller before being pushed in by Crespo for his 33rd goal in 63 internationals.

Gradual improvement

Although the Argentine offence struggled in the first half, it gradually regained some of the explosive power expected of its European superstar squad, which is trying to end a decade-long championship drought at the 12-nation South American championship.

But midfielder Benny Feilhaber almost surprised Abbondanzieri twice, on a free-kick deflected off an Argentina wall and, in the final minute, on a fading shot from beyond the area. In the second half, after another dangerous free-kick near the area sent high by Justin Mapp in the 54th, it was all Argentina.

After 64 minutes, forward Lionel Messi strung a needle through the U.S. defence to find Crespo, who shot over Keller to give Argentina the lead.

Substitute Pablo Aimar, on a pass from the left corner by defender Gabriel Heinze, then sent a charging header straight into the net in the 78th.

Tevez strikes

Carlos Tevez then escaped an out-of-position defence for the final goal of the Group C match.

Argentina improved its record against the Americans to 7-2.

One of the two losses was a 3-0 upset at the 1995 Copa America.

On Monday, the U.S. plays Paraguay in Barinas, and Colombia and Argentina face each other in Maracaibo. — AP

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